Water Resources Management (Amendment) Act No. 32 of 2016.

This Act makes amendments in Division 1 Responsibility of water resources, customary rights and rights of occupiers to water resources, and Division 2 Water use permit regarding application procedures and limitation on right to use water, Division 3 Water works permit regarding application procedures in Part 2. Subparagraphs are inserted after paragraph 14(2)(l) regarding sustainability of rural water supply systems. Part 3 is amended by repealing Sections 19 and 20 under the National Water Resources Advisory Committee and substituting provisions on establishment, functions, composition, and administration of Provincial Water Resources Advisory Committee and Rural Water Committee, and the structure of water delivery and management system in rural areas. Paragraphs 6 and 7 are inserted after subsection 26(5) regarding Water Protection Zones. Section 27A is inserted after Section 27 for the prescription of buffer zones over any river, stream or lake. Moreover, Subsection 32(5) and Section 32A are inserted into Section 32 regarding offences and penalties.
The Act introduces key provisions aimed at ensuring the sustainable use of water resources. The Director plays a crucial role in evaluating applications for water use, considering factors such as compliance with national policies, prevention of water shortages, and protection of the environment. The Act also empowers the Director to limit or prohibit water use in cases of shortages or public health concerns. Additionally, the Act establishes guidelines for buffer zones to protect water bodies from pollution and interference. Furthermore, the Act outlines the process for approving or rejecting water use applications, with strict timelines for decision making and communication with applicants. It also introduces penalties for offences related to water resource management, with the option of serving penalty notices to offenders. The Act emphasizes the importance of maintaining habitats for aquatic organisms, improving stream corridors, and promoting water use in rural and urban areas.