N$36.40 WINDHOEK - 19 December 2013 No. 5367 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA CONTENTS Page GOVERNMENT NOTICE No. 332 Promulgation of Water Resources Management Act, 2013 (Act No. 11 of 2013), of the Parliament ................................................................................................................ 1 ________________ Government Notice OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER No. 332 2013 PROMULGATION OF ACT OF PARLIAMENT The following Act which has been passed by the Parliament and signed by the President in terms of the Namibian Constitution is hereby published in terms of Article 56 of that Constitution. No. 11 of 2013: Water Resources Management Act, 2013. _______________
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GOVERNMENT GAZETTE · Noting of servitude and amendment by endorsement against title deed 113. Cancellation of servitude 114. Joint waterwork involving servitude 115. Ownership of
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treatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite73. Advertisementofapplicationandsubmissions74. Procedureforconsiderationofapplication75. Consideringanddeterminingapplication76. Standardsofeffluentquality77. Duration of licence to discharge effluent or construct or operatewastewater
treatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite78. Renewal of licence to discharge effluent or construct or operatewastewater
treatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite82. Suspension or cancellation of licence to discharge effluent or construct or
operateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite83. Failureofholderoflicence84. Procedure after expiry or cancellation of licence to discharge effluent or
“domestic use”means the use ofwater for household purposes, including drinking,cooking,washing,wateringahouseholdgardenandwateringanimalsfor reasonableownuse;
“effluent” means liquid waste originating from domestic, industrial, agricultural orminingactivitiesthathasbeentreatedinawastewatertreatmentfacilityandreleasedintotheenvironmentinadam,anevaporationpond,anaquifer,ariver,theseaorontothesurfaceoftheground;
“pollute”,inrelationtowater,meansdirectlyorindirectlytoalterthephysical,thermal,chemical,biological,or radioactive,propertiesof thewatersoas to render it lessfitforanybeneficialuseforwhichitisormayreasonablybeusedortocauseaconditionwhichishazardousorpotentiallyhazardousto-
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“wastewater”meanswatercontainingwaste;
“wastewater treatment facility” means a waterwork constructed or used for thecontainment, treatment, evaporation or storage of domestic, commercial, industrial,miningoragriculturaleffluent,includingsolidwaste;
(a) equitable access for all people to safe drinkingwater is an essentialbasichumanrighttosupportahealthyproductivelife;
(b) access by all people to a sufficient quantity of safe water within areasonable distance from their place of abode to maintain life andproductiveactivities;
(d) promotion of the sustainable development of water resources basedonanintegratedwaterresourcesmanagementplanwhichincorporatessocial,technical,economic,andenvironmentalissues;
(j) consistencyofwaterresourcemanagementdecisionswithinthespecificmandate from the Government regarding the separation of policy,regulatoryandoperationalfunctions;
(l) a polluter is liable to pay all costs to clean up any intentional oraccidentalspillofpollutants;
(m) cognisance of Namibia’s international rights and obligations in theutilisationofinternationallysharedwaterresourcesandthedisposalofwasteoreffluent;and
(n) cognisance of the regional diversity inwater resources developmentand the decentralisation of responsibilities to the lowest level of
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Government where adequate and appropriate competency exists tomanagewaterresourceseffectively.
Obligation of State in relation to water resources
(a) to determine water resources management practices consistent withnationalwaterpoliciesontheadviceoftheWaterAdvisoryCouncil;
(b) toconductwaterresourcesmanagementplanning;
(c) to participate in consultations and negotiations with other countriesregarding internationally shared water resources and water relatedmatters and to give effect to any international agreement on sharedwaterresourcestowhichNamibiaisaparty;
(h) to evaluate plans, specifications, estimates of costs and reports inconnectionwithanyproposedorexistingutilisationofwaterforanypurpose,andtodecidethereon;
(i) toobtainandrecordinformationontheextentoflandunderirrigation,thequantityofwaterusedorrequiredforirrigationoftheland,andtheextent,natureandvalueofcropsderivedthroughirrigation,includinginformation on land not used for irrigation purposes, but which issuitabletobeusedforthatpurpose;
(n) to drill boreholes or constructwells to obtain and conserve suppliesof groundwater for purposes ofwater supply to any person for anypurpose,withorwithoutpaymentofanycharge;
(o) establish and maintain hydrologic and hydrographic stations andworksandobtainandrecordobservationsmadethroughsuchstations,includinganyotherinformationandstatisticsrelatingtohydrographicandhydrologicconditions;
(p) causeanywaterworktobeinspectedandrequire inwritingapersonresponsibleforthewaterworktocarryout,withinaspecifiedtime,anyworkforthemaintenance,repairoralterationofthewaterworkastheMinistermayconsidernecessaryforpublicsafetyortheprotectionofpropertyand,intheeventofnon-compliancewithsuchrequirement,causetheworktobecarriedoutbyapersonauthorisedbytheMinisterand recover, as a debt owing to the State, the reasonable expensesincurredinsodoingfromthepersonresponsibleforthewaterwork;
(q) cause any research to be conducted, information to be collected ortechnology to be developed in relation to themanagement ofwaterresources;
(a) the Permanent Secretary or any other staffmember of theMinistry,includingapersonsecondedtotheserviceoftheMinistryorengagedundercontracttoperformanyworkorrenderanyservice;
(b) theWaterRegulator;or
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(4) Before delegating or assigning a power or function to a basinmanagementcommittee,theMinistermusthaveregardtothecapacityofthatcommitteetoexerciseorperformthatpowerorfunction.
(5) The Minister may authorise in writing, any delegate or assigneecontemplated in subsection (1) to further delegate or assign any power or functiondelegatedorassignedtothedelegateorassignee,subjecttoanyconditionstheMinistermaydetermine.
(e) anymatter relating to the administration of thisAct referred by theMinistertotheCouncilforadviceoronwhichtheCouncilconsidersitadvisabletoprovideadvice.
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Members of Council
8. (1) The Council consists of 11 members who are persons withextensiveknowledgeandexperienceinwaterresourcemanagementandfromauthoritiesorinstitutionsresponsiblefororinvolvedinwatersupplyorwatermanagement.
(2) The members of the Council are appointed by the Minister uponnomination,ofwhom-
(3) ForthepurposeofappointingthemembersoftheCouncil,theMinistermust call for nominations from interested persons and organisations required tonominatemembersbyanymeanstheMinisterconsiderseffectivetocometothenoticeofthosepersonsandorganisations,includingbyletterorbynoticepublishedinoneormorenewspaperscirculatedwidelyinNamibia,andspecifythetimeandmannerwithinwhichanominationistobemade.
(6) Despite subsections (1) and (2) and section 9(1)(a), if the Councilconsidersthatitwillneedorbenefitfromadditionalfieldsofexpertiseforaparticularfunction,theMinistermayappointapersonorpersonshavingthatexpertiseasmemberormembersoftheCouncilforthespecificpurposeofdischargingthatfunction.
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(7) The Minister may invite basin management committees and othercommunity based organisations or associations to designate not more than tworepresentatives to attend a particular meeting of the Council at which a matter ofrelevantinterestistobeconsidered,andapersonsoattendingmayparticipateinthedeliberationsoftheCouncilbutmaynotvote.
(2) The chairpersonmust convene the nextmeeting if for any reason ameetingdeterminedbytheCouncilcannottakeplace.
(3) TheCouncilmustmeetatleastfourtimesayear.
(4) ThechairpersonmustconveneaspecialmeetingoftheCouncilwhenso directed by theMinister, orwhen so requested inwriting by at least three othermembers,forthepurposeofdealingwithanybusinessspecifiedbytheMinisterorinthewrittenrequest.
(6) TheCouncilmust cause full and accurateminutes to be kept of itsproceedingsatmeetingsandmakeacopyoftheminutesavailabletotheMinisterandPermanentSecretaryattheirrequest.
(7) TheadministrativeworkrelatingtothefunctionsoftheCouncilmustbe performed by staff members of the Ministry designated for the purpose by thePermanentSecretary.
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PART4WATERREGULATORANDWATERPRICINGPOLICY
Establishment of Water Regulator
11. There is established a body to be known as theWater Regulator toperformthefunctionsassignedtotheWaterRegulatorbythisAct.
(i) thatmaybeleviedbyawaterservicesproviderorothersupplierof water, including the State, for the supply or distributionofwater and the provision ofwastewater services and otherassociatedservices;
(ii) thatarepayablebylicenceholdersfortheabstractionofwaterorthedischargeofeffluentorthesupplyorre-useofeffluent;
(c) tomonitortheperformanceofwaterservicesprovidersandotherwatersuppliers and evaluate their efficiencywith respect to achieving theoperationaltargetssetinaccordancewithparagraph(b);
(d) toadvisetheMinisteronanymatterrelatingtocompliancebyawaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierwith itswaterservicesplanandconservationanddemandmanagementstrategiescontemplatedinsection 90(1), or the achievement or failure on the part of a serviceprovider or otherwater supplier to increase access and coverage ofservicesinaccordancewithanyrequirementmadebyorunderthisActoranyotherlaw;and
(e) to perform any other functions conferred or imposed on theWaterRegulatorbyorunderthisActoranyotherlaw.
(a) may, with the approval of theMinister, and must if so directed bytheMinister, carry out any investigation necessary or expedient forperformingafunction;or
(a) in accordance with norms and standards prescribed in the water,wastewater and effluent pricingpolicy determinedunder section 19;and
(b) with due consideration to harmonising consumer expectations and
policy of decision makers regarding the price of water supply andwastewater discharge services without compromising the financialviabilityofserviceproviders.
(d) in accordance with the time of the year when water is supplied orabstracted;
(e) betweendifferentareasofNamibia;and
(f) onanyotherbasisasmaybeprescribed.
(6) The Water Regulator must cause any tariff of fees and chargesdeterminedbyitforanypurposeintheperformanceofitsfunctionstobepublishedbynoticeintheGazetteandspecifythedateasfromwhichthetariffoffeesandchargesisofeffect.
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14. A member of theWater Regulator is appointed for such term, notexceedingfiveyears,asdeterminedbytheMinisterandiseligibleforre-appointmentontheexpiryofthatterm.
17. MembersoftheWaterRegulatorwhoarenotinthefull-timeserviceof the Statemust be paid, frommoney appropriated by Parliament, the allowances,including travelandsubsistenceallowancesas theMinistermaydetermine,with theconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforfinance.
Confidentiality
18. AmemberoftheWaterRegulatororastaffmemberdesignatedundersection16(8)oranyotherpersonwhoisorwasengagedinanycapacitytoassistintheperformanceofanyoftheWaterRegulator’sfunctions,mustnotdisclosetoanypersonconfidentialinformationofanywaterservicesproviderorauthorityorpersonacquiredintheperformanceofanyfunctionforthepurposesofthisAct,whetherbefore,duringor after his or her involvement in the affairs of theWaterRegulator, except for thepurposesofdischargingadutyunderthisActorwhenrequiredtodosobyanylaworacourtoflaw.
Determination of pricing policy for services in water sector
(b) set out the procedures and time frames for such submissions,contributionorparticipation.
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PART5BASINMANAGEMENTCOMMITTEES
Establishment of basin management committees
20. (1) The Minister, after consultation with institutions and otherstakeholders and persons having an interest inwater resources in a basin or part ofa basin,may recognise a group of representatives of such institutions, stakeholdersandpersonswhoareorganisedorassociatedfor thepurposeoforganising,planningor dealing with matters relating to the development, management, protection andenhancementofwaterresourcesinthebasinorpartofthebasin,tobeabasincommitteeforthepurposesofthisActinfurtheranceoftheGovernment’sobjectiveinachievinganintegratedmanagementofwaterresources.
(a) that interests in the use and management of water resources in thebasin or part of the basin concerned are broadly represented in themembershipofthegroup,includinginterestedgovernmentministries,regional councils, local authorities, State-owned enterprises or otherstatutory institutions and organisations, institutions or associationsrepresentinginterestsintheprivatesector;and
(b) that membership of the group will be open for inclusion of furtherrepresentativesof anyother institutionsor stakeholdersor interestedpersons asmay be directed by theMinister inwriting to the groupconcerned for the purposes of achieving broad representation ofinterestsintheirmembership.
(3) Abasinmanagement committeemaybe recognised for anypurposeconnectedwiththeuseprotection,development,conservation,managementorcontrolofawaterresourceinabasinorpartofabasin,includingpurposesconnectedwith-
(a) anaquifer;
(b) sharedwatersupplyinfrastructure;
(c) an area comprising adjacent geographic entities with joint waterresourcemanagementfeatures;
22. (1) The Minister may provide, from money appropriated byParliament for the purpose, financial and technical support to a basin managementcommittee,including-
(a) institutional arrangements to establish a support office in the watermanagementareaofabasinmanagementcommitteeoperatedbystaffmembersoftheMinistrydesignatedbythePermanentSecretaryforthepurpose;
(c) waterresourcesmanagementleviespayabletothebasinmanagementcommittee as part of charges for water abstraction and use andwastewaterdisposalcharges.
(2) If a support office referred to in subsection (1)(a) is not establishedthe Permanent Secretary must designate staff members of the Ministry to provideadministrative,technicalandclericalsupporttoabasinmanagementcommittee.
Functions of basin management committee
23. Thefunctionsofabasinmanagementcommitteeare-
(a) toadvisetheMinisteronmattersconcerningtheprotection,development,conservation,management and control ofwater resources andwaterresourcequalityinitswatermanagementarea;
(c) to prepare or cause to be prepared an integrated water resourcesmanagementplanforitswatermanagementareaforsubmissiontotheMinisterforconsiderationindevelopingtheIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlanundersection31;
(d) tomake recommendations to theMinister in relation to applicationsforlicencesinrespectofitswatermanagementareaortheamendment,cancellation,orsuspensionofanysuchlicence;
(e) to promote community self-reliance, including arrangements for therecoveryofcostsfortheoperationandmaintenanceofanywaterwork;
(f) tomonitor and report on the effectiveness of policies andmeasuresinachievingsustainablemanagementofwaterresourcesandresourcequalityinitswatermanagementarea;
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(h) to conduct, with the concurrence of the Minister, a water researchagendaappropriatetotheneedsofinstitutionsandwateruserswithinitswatermanagementarea;
Basin management committee to coordinate with regional planning component in region
25. A basin management committee must co-ordinate with the regionalplanningcomponentoftheregionalcounciloftheregion,oralocalauthority,wherethewatermanagementareaofthecommitteeissituatedtoensurethatwaterresourcesandresourcequalitywithinthatareaandtheregionareeffectivelymanagedandprotectedinaccordancewiththisAct.
Establishment of subcommittees
26. A basin management committee may, after consultation withstakeholdersinitswatermanagementareaandtheMinister-
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(b) because the circumstances which supported the need for a basinmanagementcommitteenolongerexist.
PART6INTERNATIONALLYSHAREDWATERRESOURCES
Functions of Minister regarding management of internationally shared water resource
28. The functionsof theMinister in relation to the jointmanagementofinternationallysharedwaterresourcesare-
(a) to participate with neighbouring and other riparian states in theestablishment, development andmaintenanceof a commondatabasesystem to store andprovidedata and information for theprotection,sustainableuseandmanagementofsharedwaterresources;
(b) to engage in the joint management, planning and development ofprojects concerning shared water resources in furtherance of theobjectivesoftheSouthernAfricanDevelopmentCommunityRevisedProtocolonSharedWatercourseswithregard toregional integration,economicgrowthandpovertyalleviation;
(c) to establish and promote institutional relationships between riverbasin organisations within Namibia and international river basinorganisations;
(e) toprotecttheinternationalwaterresourcequality,includingdiscussionwith upstream states to reduce or prevent the deterioration ofwaterqualityresultingfromactivitiesinupstreamstates;
(f) to develop and improve human resource capacity to participate inthe management of shared water resources, including negotiations,consultationsandconflictresolution;and
(g) to establish mechanisms, or negotiate the revision of mechanisms,forthemanagement,preventionandresolutionofdisputesrelatingtointernationallysharedwaterresources.
(2) TheinternationalagreementsrelatingtosharedwaterresourcesbindingonNamibia in relation towhich regulations contemplated in subsection (1)may bemade,arethefollowing:
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(a) Establishment of the Orange-Senqu River Commission (Orasecom)agreemententeredintoon3November2000betweentheKingdomofLesotho,theRepublicofBotswana,theRepublicofSouthAfricaandtheRepublicofNamibia;
(c) ZambesiWatercourseCommission(Zamcom)agreemententeredintoon 13 July 2004 between the Republic ofAngola, the Republic ofBotswana,theRepublicofMalawi,theRepublicofMozambique,theRepublicofNamibia,theUnitedRepublicofTanzania,theRepublicofZambiaandtheRepublicofZimbabwe;
(d) KunenePermanent JointTechnicalCommission agreement endorsedand affirmed between the Republic ofAngola and the Republic ofNamibia;and
(i) any other matter the Minister considers necessary or expedientto prescribe in relation to water point committees or local watercommittees.
PART8INTEGRATEDWATERRESOURCESMANAGEMENTPLAN
Development of Integrated Water Resources Management Plan
31. (1) The Minister must prepare an Integrated Water ResourcesManagement Plan for the development, conservation, management and control ofNamibia’swaterresourcesinfurtheranceoftheobjectofthisAct.
(a) by notice in writing request regional councils, basin managementcommittees and water services providers to cooperate and assist inthepreparationof thatproposedplan in themanner specifiedby theMinisterinthatnotice;and
(b) by notice in theGazette, invite interested persons to submitwrittencommentsinrelationtothatproposedplantotheMinisterattheaddressandbythecut-offdatespecifiedinthatnotice,beingnotearlierthan60daysafterpublicationofthatnotice.
(3) If the Minister considers it advisable, the Minister may appoint aconsultativecommittee,consistingofpersonswhohaveknowledgeorexperience inmatterstobecoveredintheIntegratedWaterResourcesManagementPlan,toadvisetheMinisteron-
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Scope of Integrated Water Resources Management Plan
32. (1) The Integrated Water Resources Management Plan is toinclude-
(a) a water balance for the water management area of each basinmanagement committee, or any other specified area in Namibia,that compares forecasted water demand with data and informationconcerningwateravailability;
(b) proposed options for meeting forecasted demand for each watermanagementareaorotherareareferredtoinparagraph(a)wheretheforecastedwaterdemandexceedsavailablesupply,includingoptionsinrelationto-
(i) waterdemandmanagementprogrammes;
(ii) determinationofvolumesofeffluentavailableforre-useorforothersecondaryactivitiessuchasirrigation;
(2) Any conflict between the integrated water resources managementplans submitted by basinmanagement committees referred to in section 31(4)mustberesolvedbytheMinisterafterconsultationwiththebasinmanagementcommitteeswhoseplansareinconflict.
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Approval and tabling of Integrated Water Resources Management Plan
33. As soon as practicable after completion of the Integrated WaterResourcesManagementPlan,theMinistermust-
Review of Integrated Water Resources Management Plan
34. (1) The Minister must review the Integrated Water ResourcesManagementPlanattheendof10yearsfollowingtheapprovalofthePlanbyCabinet,andthereafteratintervalsofnotmorethan10years.
(e) develop and prescribe a national programme for the testing andmonitoringofwaterqualityinNamibia;and
(f) prescribe requirements for evaluating and approving processes anddesignsforthetreatmentofpotablewaterbeforealicenceforawatertreatmentplantmaybeissued.
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Reliability of water supply
36. (1) TheMinistermust ensure that allNamibians have access towaterconformingto theprescribedqualitystandardsfromanaffordableandreliablewatersupplythatisadequateforbasichumanrequirements,subjecttosubsection(2).
(2) If the supply of water by a water services provider is found not tocomplywiththeprescribedwaterqualitystandards,theMinistermay-
(a) uponapplicationbythewaterservicesprovider,grantexemptiontotheservice provider from compliancewith any prescribedwater qualitystandardsiftheMinisterissatisfiedthat-
(ii) waterusersaregiventherelevantinformationinrespectofthewatersupply;
(b) afterconsultationwithwaterservicesprovidersorbasinmanagementcommitteesandanyaffectedcommunity,takeanyactiontheMinisterconsiders necessary in the public interest to remedy any situationrelatingtowaterqualitythatmayaffectthehealthofwaterusers.
(a) prescribeminimumstandardsofwatersupplyservicestobecompliedwith by water services providers and owners of water treatmentfacilities, including requirements for persons engaged for operatingany waterwork used for supplying water for domestic, commercial,industrialoragriculturaluse;
(b) periodically monitor the operations of water services providers andowners ofwater treatment facilities and the performance of personsengagedforoperatingawaterworktoensuretheminimumstandardsandrequirementsreferredtoinparagraph(a)arecompliedwith.
Reservation of water resources
37. (1) If the Minister, on the Minister’s initiative or on therecommendationofabasinmanagementcommittee,considersitadvisableinordertomakeprovisionforawatersupplyinthewatermanagementareaconcerned-
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(2) Before the Minister makes a reservation under subsection (1), theMinistermustconsultwiththeregionalcounciloftheregionwherethewatermanagementareaislocatedtoobtainandconsideranycommentsoftheregionalcouncilinrelationtoanymatterpertainingtotheproposedreservation.
(5) Despite a reservation made under subsection (1), a licence for theabstractionoruseofwaterfromareservedwaterresourcemaybeissuedinaccordancewiththisActforapurposeforwhichtheresourceisreserved.
(b) dig or sink awell on the land solely for the purpose of abstractingwaterforowndomesticuseontheland.
Right to collect meteoric water
40. Anowneroroccupierofland,includingcommunalland,may,withouttheneed fora licence,collectmeteoricwater fallingorcomingonto the landsolelyforpurposesofowndomesticuseontheland,butnottoanextentthatmaynegativelyaffecttheenvironmentorpersonsdownstreamofsuchcollectionpoint.
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(a) to provide any further information specified in thenoticewithin theperiodspecifiedinthenotice;or
(b) to participate in an investigation specified in the notice designed toenabletheMinistertoassessthelikelyeffectsofgrantingtheapplicationandtobearthefullcostsoftheinvestigation,orthepartofthosecostsasspecifiedinthenotice.
(ii) asimposedbytheMinisterandspecifiedinthelicence.
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Issue of combined licence to water services provider
42. TheMinistermay,with the consent of an applicant for a licence aswaterservicesprovider,grantacombinedlicencetoabstract,treatanddistributewater,ortotreatanddistributewater,asthecasemaybe,iftherequirementsprescribedbythisActforaseparatelicenceforeachtypeofworkoractivityarecompliedwith.
Failure of water services provider to comply with licence conditions
43. (1) IfawaterservicesproviderfailstocomplywiththisActoracondition towhich the licenceof thewaterservicesprovider issubject, theMinistermaydirectthewaterservicesprovider,inwriting,toremedyitsfailure.
(3) If a water services provider fails to take the measures specified inthedirective,theMinister,withtheconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforlocalauthorities,wherethewaterservicesproviderisalocalauthority,andafteraffordingthewaterservicesproviderareasonableopportunitytomakerepresentations,may-
(b) use any infrastructure of the water services provider to the extentnecessarytocarryoutthefunctionsofthewaterservicesprovider.
(5) If theMinister is satisfied that a water services provider is able toresumeitsfunctionsunderthelicenceinaneffectivemanner,theMinistermaydirectthewaterservicesproviderandanauthorityorpersonauthorisedundersubsection(3)(b)tomakesuitablearrangementsfortheresumptionofthewaterservicesprovider’sfunctionsunderthelicence,witheffectfromadatespecifiedbytheMinister.
(a) to provide any further information specified in thenoticewithin theperiodspecifiedinthenotice;or
(b) to participate in an investigation specified in the notice designed toenabletheMinistertoassessthelikelyeffectsofgrantingtheapplicationandtobearthefullcostsoftheinvestigation,orsuchpartofthosecostsasspecifiedbytheMinisterinthenotice.
Consideration of application for licence to abstract and use water
45. (1) Where the locationof theproposedabstraction iswithin thewatermanagementareaofabasinmanagementcommittee,theMinistermustrefertheapplicationtothatcommitteeforinvestigationandthemakingofarecommendationinrelationtotheapplication.
(i) the quality of water of a water resource or on an aquaticecosystemdependentonthewaterresource;
(ii) the international obligations of Namibia relating tointernationallysharedwaters;
(h) if the application involves the construction of a dam or dugout toimpound water, the type, size and location of the proposed dam ordugoutandthepurposeoftheimpoundment;
(j) theexistingwaterusebyanytraditionalcommunityfromtherelevantwater resource and the extent of customary rights and practices inrelationtothewaterresource;and
(2) The Minister may not approve the application unless the Ministerconsidersthattheabstractionanduseofwaterunderthelicenceisnotlikelytohaveanysignificantimpactintermsofthematterstobeconsideredundersection45.
(3) Despitesubsection(1)theMinister,insteadofrefusinganapplicationforalicencetoabstractandusewater,may,afternegotiationandwiththeapplicant’sconsent,issuetotheapplicantalicencethatconfersrightsdifferentfromtheauthorisationapplied for by the applicant and to the extent theMinister considers appropriate toapprove.
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(4) Iftheapprovalofanapplicationisinrespectoftheimpoundmentofwaterintoaproposeddamordugout,theissueofthelicencemaybemadeconditionalon the completionof the constructionof thedamordugout in accordancewith anyrequirementsprescribedundersection93orasimposedandspecifiedinwritingbytheMinister.
Combined licence to water abstract and use water and to discharge effluent
47. TheMinistermay,withtheconsentoftheapplicantconcerned,grantacombinedlicencetoabstractandusewaterandtodischargeeffluentiftherequirementsprescribed by thisAct for a separate licence for each type of work or activity arecompliedwith.
Term of licence to abstract and use water
48. Unless sooner cancelled, a licence to abstract and use water, or acombinedlicence,remainsinforcefortheperiod,notexceedingfiveyears,asdeterminedbytheMinisterandspecifiedinthelicence.
50. (1) TheMinistermayamendalicenceissuedundersection46or47totheextentnecessarytopreventorrectifyanysignificantadverseeffectinrelationto anymattermentioned in section 45 caused or likely to be caused by an activitycarriedoutunderthelicence.
(a) hasgivenwrittennoticetotheholderofthelicencethattheMinisterproposes to suspend or cancel the licence and the reason for theproposedaction;
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(b) has given the person the opportunity to make submissions to theMinister,withinareasonablespecifiedperiodofnotlessthan7days,withrespecttotheproposedaction;and
(5) TheMinistermust cancel a licence to abstract and usewater if theholderofthelicence,bynoticeinwritingtotheMinister,surrendersthelicence,tobeofeffectasfromthedateofsurrenderspecifiedinthenotice.
Procedure upon expiry or cancellation of licence to abstract and use water
(a) requiretheholderofthelicencetotakeallreasonablestepstoensurethattheabstractionpointconcernedandaffectedareaisrestored,attheperson’sownexpense, toaconditionsimilar to theconditionbeforethelicencewasgranted,includingtosealoffaboreholeusedforwaterabstractioninamannerdirectedbytheMinister,ifdoingsoispracticalinthecircumstances;or
(b) enterintoanarrangementwiththeholderofthelicenceoranyotherpersonappointedbyagreementwith theholder, for themaintenanceof awaterworkor thecontinuationof theoperationof awastewatertreatmentfacility.
Licence to abstract and use water not transferable
53. Exceptasprovidedbysection54,alicencetoabstractandusewateror any right conferredby sucha licence isnot transferablebywayof lease, saleoralienationotherwise.
Succession to licence to abstract and use water upon death of holder of licence
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(3) For purposes of succession as contemplated in subsection (1), theperson nominated by the deceased or the heir or hers of the deceased’s estatemustprovidetotheMinistry-
(c) where the administration of a deceased’s estate is supervised by amagistrate in terms of section 4A of theAdministration of EstatesAct, 1965 (ActNo.66of1965), certifiedcopiesof suchdocumentspertainingtotheestatewhichhavebeenlodgedwiththemagistrateorwhichdocumentsareunderhisorhercontrol;or
unless the person is the holder of a borehole licence issued by theMinister whichauthorisesthatsuchworkbeundertakenorsuchworkisexemptfromtherequirementofaboreholelicenceintermsofanoticepublishedundersubsection(2).
(b) contain or be accompanied by any information that is prescribed orrequiredbytheMinister;
(c) be accompanied by thewritten consent of the owner of the land onwhichtheboreholeissituatedortobesituated,iftheapplicantisnottheowneroftheland;and
(d) beaccompaniedbytheprescribedapplicationfee.
(4) Iftheproposedboreholeworksunderthelicenceistobeundertakenon land within the water management area of a basin management committee, theMinistermustrefertheapplicationtothatcommitteeforinvestigationandthemakingofarecommendationinrelationtotheapplication.
(ii) asimposedbytheMinisterandspecifiedinthelicence.
Amendment of borehole licence
57. (1) The Minister may amend a borehole licence to the extentnecessarytopreventorrectifyanysignificantadverseeffectinrelationtoanymattermentionedinsection56(5)causedorlikelytobecausedbyanactivitycarriedoutunderthelicence.
Duty to keep records and provide information on drilling
60. The holder of a borehole licence, or if the holder engages anotherpersontodrillaboreholeorcarryoutrelatedworkonlandownedbythelicenceholderoronlandownedbyanotherperson,theholderofthelicence,orthecontractor,whereacontractorisengaged,must-
(a) keep such recordsof thedrillingandotheroperationscarriedout asstipulatedinthelicence;and
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61. (1) Despiteanyotherlaw,orauthorisationgrantedbyacompetentauthority under any other law, a person who, for the purpose of exploring for orextractingmineralsoranyothersubstance,otherthangroundwater,orforroadorotherconstructionwork,proposestodrillaborehole,deepenorenlargeanexistingborehole,ormakeordeepenanexcavationinthegroundtothelevelorbelowthelevelofthewatertable,maynotcommencewithworkinthatregardunlesstheperson,inaccordancewithsection56,hasappliedforandhasbeengrantedaboreholelicencebytheMinistertoundertakesuchwork.
(b) the taking of specified measures for ensuring that groundwater isconservedandprotected.
(4) Any excess water collected for continued periods of more than 7days,asaresultofanyoperationreferredtoinsubsection(1),mustbedisposedofasdeterminedbytheMinisterinwriting.
Refusal of access to State-owned borehole
62. (1) Apersonmaynot-
(a) do any act obstructing or interfering with any person from using aState-owned borehole;or
(b) damage, remove or otherwise tamperwith any equipment or deviceinstalledatsuchaboreholewhichisprovidedforpublicuseorforthemonitoringofgroundwaterbehaviour.
(ii) asimposedbytheMinisterandspecifiedinthelicence.
(5) The holder of a licence to dispose of groundwatermay not disposeofwaterabstractedunderthelicenceataplaceorinamannerotherthantheplaceormannerspecifiedinthelicenceorasapprovedbytheMinisterinwriting.
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(b) by notice published in a manner appropriate for the area, imposerestrictionsorlimitationstoensurethatthetotalabstractionofwaterpermittedfromanaquiferdoesnotexceedthegroundwaterpotential;
(c) determine and define aquifer boundaries based on available hydro-geologicalinformation;
(d) prescribe, or impose as licence conditions, special requirements andrestrictionswith respect to the drilling and use of artesian and sub-artesianboreholesforthepurposeofpreventing-
(i) thewastageofwater;
(ii) the leakageofwaterfromconfinedartesianaquifers tootheraquifers;
(iii) thecontaminationoftheaquifer;or
(iv) thereductionorlossofartesianpressure;
(e) investigate the need or advisability of the construction of works toenhance the natural recharge of aquifers or to facilitate the artificialrechargeofaquiferswherefeasible;
(f) prescribe procedures and conditions for the artificial recharge ofaquifers, including standards for the quality of water that may beinjected;
(g) prescribe, or impose as licence conditions, special requirements forenhancementofnaturalrechargetolowertheriskofaquiferpollution;
unless the person is the holder of a driller’s licence of the prescribed category thatauthorisesworkofthekindproposedtobecarriedout,orthepersonisworkingunderthecontinuouson-sitesupervisionoftheholderofsuchalicence.
(8) If the holder of driller’s licence fails to comply with, or causes orpermitsapersontocontraveneorfailtocomplywith,aconditiontowhichthelicenceissubject,theMinister,aftergivingtheholderofthelicencereasonableopportunitytomakesubmissionstotheMinister,may-
(a) suspend the licence, either for a specifiedperiodor indefinitely, andstateanyconditionstobecompliedwithforthesuspensiontobelifted;
(b) cancelthelicence;or
(c) order the holder of the licence to pay a penalty determined by theMinister,notexceedingtheprescribedamount.
(a) who is responsible for carrying on any activity involving theproduction, conveyance, storage, or deposit of, or dealing otherwisewith,wastewater,effluentorwaste;or
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musttakeprecautionstoensurethatnoactivityorsituationresultsincausingawaterresource to be polluted, including anymeasures theMinister, inwriting, directs thepersontotakewithinaspecifiedtimeforthepurposeofpreventingsuchpollution.
Obligation to provide and operate systems for discharge of effluent, wastewater and waste
69. (1) A local authority and other water services providers or anyotherauthority,bodyorpersonthatcontrolsorsupplieswater,isresponsibletoprovide,manageandoperatesystemsfortheconveyance,treatmentanddisposalofwastewaterproduced in its area of operation, including, subject to section 70(2), industrialwastewater.
(2) A local authority and other water services provider or an authority,bodyorpersonreferredtoinsubsection(1)mustperformthefunctionscontemplatedinthatsubsection-
(3) A local authority or anyother authority or person that has authorityoveranyarea inwhichanydomesticor industrialactivity, thatmaycausepollution,takesplace,isultimatelyresponsibleforthepreventionofanypollutioninthatarea.
(5) A lessor of land or premises where any industrial, mining or otheractivity iscarriedonby the lessee, thatmaycausewaterpollution, is responsible toremedytheeffectsofanypollutioncausedbysuchactivityintheeventthatthelesseefailstoremedytheeffectsofsuchpollution.
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(6) An occupier of land used for agricultural purposes is responsible toensurethat-
(a) by any act or omission, cause or allow any wastewater, effluent orwastetobedischargedordeposited,directlyorindirectly,intoawaterresource,ortobeintroducedintoaboreholeorwell;
(2) Apersonmaynotdischarge into the seweragesystemany industrialwastewater from an abattoir, tannery, brewery, dye-house or any other obnoxiousindustrial wastewater which may inhibit the biological process of the wastewatertreatment facilityofa localauthorityorotherownerof sucha facility, except if thedischargeisdoneinaccordancewithaspecialagreementbetweenthepersondischargingsuchindustrialwastewaterandthelocalauthorityorotherownerconcerned.
(3) A local authority or other person holding a licence to operate awastewatertreatmentfacilitymayonlyenterintoanagreementreferredtoinsubsection(2), inrespectof thedischargeof industrialwastewater, if the localauthorityor thatperson is authorised, by virtue of a specific condition of the licence, to accept suchwastewaterintotheseweragesystemoriftheMinister,inwriting,grantsapprovalforsuchanagreement.
(a) to discharge effluent from any septic tank, French drain or similarprivate sewerage facility serving a single household into a waterresource,includingintoaboreholeorwell;
(b) with or without conditions, to discharge certain effluents based onvolumeorcompositionoftheeffluentortypeofuse;
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(c) tousealternativemethodsforthetreatmentordisposalofwastewater,effluent or waste in accordance with any technology evaluated andapprovedbytheMinister.
(2) TheMinistermaywithdraw an exemption granted under subsection(1),oramendtheexemptionbyimposingneworfurtherconditions,orbywithdrawingcertainconditions,inanycircumstancesinwhichtheMinisterconsidersthatthepublicinterestrequiressuchwithdrawaloramendment.
Application for licence to discharge effluent or construct or operate wastewater treatment facility or waste disposal site
(b) contain or be accompanied by the information as prescribed or asrequiredbytheMinister;and
(c) beaccompaniedbytheprescribedapplicationfee.
(2) TheMinistermay require the applicant to submit an environmentalimpact analysis of the likely effects of activities proposed to be authorised by thelicenceonwaterresourcesandownersandoccupiersoflandintheareawhereeffluentis proposed tobedischargedor theproposedwastewater treatment facilityorwastedisposalsiteistobelocated.
(b) be carried out and prepared, at the applicant’s own expense by apersonwhohasappropriateexpertise in relation to the identificationandevaluationofpotential risks involved in the typeofactivitiesasproposedtobeauthorisedbythelicence.
Advertisement of application and submissions
73. (1) If theMinister considers it advisable that public notificationbegivenof theapplicationfor thepurposeof invitingsubmissions in relation to theapplication,theMinistermay,inwriting,directtheapplicanttoadvertisetheapplication.
(2) An advertisement required under subsection (1) must be publishedonceaweekfortwoconsecutiveweeksinatleasttwonewspaperscirculatedwidelyinNamibiaandmust-
(b) statethattheapplicationand,ifapplicable,theenvironmentalimpactanalysis, are available for inspection at the office of the PermanentSecretaryandanyotherplaceastheMinistermaydirectorapprove;
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(3) Theapplicantmust furnishproofofadvertisementof theapplicationto theMinister as soon as is practicable after the date of the last publication of theadvertisementinthenewspapers.
(b) appointing any person or a committee of persons to carry out aninvestigation,includingaprocessofpublicconsultation,andtoreporttotheMinister,inrelationtoanymatterconcerningtheapplication,theenvironmentalimpactanalysisoranysubmission;
(d) the impact of the discharge orwaste disposal site on existingwateruses;
(e) the impact of the proposed wastewater treatment facility or wastedisposalsiteupongroundwater;
(f) the impact of the proposed effluent discharge on the environment,includingownersandoccupiersoflandandwaterresources,andwaterresourcequality in thevicinityof theproposedeffluentdischargeorwastewatertreatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite;
(g) the effect the proposed effluent discharge or wastewater treatmentfacility or waste disposal site could have on Namibia’s obligationsrelatingtointernationallysharedwaters;
(i) the installation of metering devices by the applicant to measurewastewaterandeffluent;
(j) the application of cleaner production techniques in industrial,agricultural andmining activities designed to improve efficiency inthe use of resources by reducing or preventing pollution and wastegenerationatthesourcethereof;and
(k) anyothercriteria theMinisterconsidersappropriate tobe taken intoaccount.
(c) prescribe requirements for the recycling and re-use of treatedwastewater, including industrial wastewater, the management andoperationofanysystemfor therecycling, re-useandsupplyofsuchtreatedwater,includingcriteriainrespectofqualitystandardsofsuchwaterforuseforaspecifiedpurpose;and
Transfer of licence to discharge effluents or construct or operate wastewater treatment facility or waste disposal site
80. (1) A licence to discharge effluent or to construct or operate awastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsitemay,withthewrittenapprovaloftheMinister,betransferredbytheholderofthelicencetoanotherperson.
(2) An application for theMinister’s approval for transfer of a licenceundersubsection(1),must-
(c) givetheproposedtransfereeandanypersonshavinganinterestwhowish to make any representation in relation to the application, areasonableopportunitytomakesuchrepresentation.
(5) IftheMinisterrefusestograntapprovalforthetransferofthelicence,theMinistermust, inwriting, inform theholder of the licenceof the reason for therefusal.
Succession to licence to discharge effluent or construct or operate wastewater treatment facility or waste disposal site
81. (1) Uponthedeathofanindividualwhoistheholderofalicencetodischargeeffluentortoconstructoroperateawastewatertreatmentfacilityorawastedisposalsite,thelicencepassestoanypersonnominatedbytheholderofthelicenceinhisorherwillor, in theabsenceofsuchanomination, to theheirorheirsof thedeceased’sestateifthepersonorpersonsconcernedagreetoobtainthelicence,
(3) If a the holder of the licence fails to take themeasures specified inthedirective,theMinister,withtheconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforlocalauthorities,wheretheholderofthelicenceisalocalauthority,andafteraffordingthatholderareasonableopportunitytomakerepresentations,may-
(b) enterintoanarrangementwiththeholderofthatlicenceoranyotherinterested person for the maintenance of the wastewater treatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsite.
PART14WATERPROTECTIONAREAS
Declaration of water protection area
85. (1) TheMinister,onhisorherowninitiativeoruponapplicationbypersonshavinganinterest,maydeclare,bynoticeintheGazette,anareatobeawaterprotectionareaiftheMinisterconsidersitadvisableinordertoprotectandenhanceanywaterresource,riverinehabitat,watershed,ecosystemorotherenvironmentalresourcethat is at risk of significant changes to resource quality, depletion, contamination,extinctionordisturbancefromanysource,includingaquaticorterrestrialweeds.
(a) make known the proposed declaration of the water protection area,specifying-
(i) the resource proposed to be protected and the purpose forwhichitistobeprotected;
(ii) theproposedboundariesoftheprotectionarea;and
(iii) any limitations or prohibitions proposed to be imposed inrespectofactivitiesintheprotectionarea;and
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(b) invite owners and occupiers of land in the area and other interestedpersonstomakesubmissionstotheMinisteronanymatterinrelationto the proposed declaration not later than the date specified in thenotice,whichmustbenotearlierthan30daysafterthedatethenoticeispublishedorgivenbytheMinister.
86. (1) A person may not, by any act or omission, within a waterprotectionareacontraveneorfailtocomplywithanylimitationorprohibitionimposedand specified in the notice of declaration of the water protection area or any otherprovisionofthisAct.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the powers conferred on theMinisterbysection85(3)(c),limitationsorprohibitionsimposedinrespectofawaterprotectionareamayrelateto-
(a) the drilling of boreholes, construction ofwells or the abstraction ofwater;
(a) bywritten notice to the holder of the licence concerned, amend thelicencetotheextentnecessarytogiveeffecttothelimitation;
(b) if twoormorelicences toabstractordischargeeffluentareaffected,bywrittennoticetotheholdersofthelicencesconcerned,amendthelicences toachieveanequitablebalance,as faras ispossible, in thedistributionofallocationsunderthoselicences.
Amendment or withdrawal of water protection area declaration
87. (1) TheMinistermay,bynoticeintheGazette-
(a) amendthedeclarationofawaterprotectionareaby-
(i) alteringthegeographicboundariesofthearea;or
(ii) amendinganylimitationorprohibitionimposedinrespectofactivities tobeapplicable in thearea, includingby imposinganyfurtherlimitationorprohibition;or
Emergency powers to limit right to abstract and use water
88. (1) The Minister may, by notice given in accordance withsubsection(2)-
(a) declare that a water shortage exists in a particular area or a waterresource if theMinister is of the opinion that the volume of wateravailableintheareaorthewaterresource-
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(i) is or is likely to be inadequate tomeet the demand for anyreason;or
(ii) isadverselyaffecting,orislikelytoadverselyaffect,thequalityofthewaterintheareaorwaterresource;and
(ii) tocleanuppollutedareasandremedytheeffectsoftheincident;and
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(b) take anymeasures theMinister directs the person inwriting to takein relation to the incidentwithin the time specified by theMinister,includingmeasurestheMinistermaydirectonadviceoftherelevantbasinmanagementcommittee.
Water service plans and water conservation and water demand management strategies
90. (1) The Minister may by regulation require water servicesproviders and bulkwater users, as defined in the regulations, to develop and adoptwater services plans, including water conservation and water demand managementstrategies,inaccordancewithproceduresandcriteriasetoutintheregulationsandtobesubmittedtotheMinisterandtheWaterRegulatorintheprescribedmannerandwithintheprescribedtime.
Implementation of efficient water management practices
91. (1) TheMinistermay-
(a) afterconsultationwith theWaterRegulator,prescribecriteria for thesetting of operational targets and performance indicators for waterservicesprovidersandotherwatersuppliersandbulkwaterusers;
(b) causeperiodicinspectionstobecarriedouttoreviewandinvestigatetheefficiencyofawaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulk water user in complying with its water services plan or waterconservationanddemandmanagementpractices;
(c) directanywaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulkwateruser to implement specified water management practices within aspecifiedperiodforpurposesofwatermanagementefficiency.
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(2) Ifawaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulkwateruserfails to complywith a directive given under subsection (1)(c), theMinistermay bywrittennoticerequirethewaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulkwaterusertotakeanymeasuresspecifiedinthenoticewithinaspecifiedtime,notexceeding60days,inordertocomplywiththatdirective.
(a) cancelorsuspend the licenceof thewaterservicesproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulkwateruser;or
(b) if the bulkwater user is not the holder of a licence under thisAct,restrictthewatersupplytothewateruserforpurposesofdomesticuseonly.
(4) TheMinistermaynotexerciseapowerconferredbysubsection (3),unless theMinister has givenwritten notice to thewater services provider or otherwatersupplierorbulkwateruseroftheMinister’sintentiontoexercisesuchpowerandinvitedthewaterserviceproviderorotherwatersupplierorbulkwaterusertoshowcause,within30daysofreceiptoftheMinister’snotice,whytheMinistershouldnotexercisesuchpower.
PART17DAMS,DAMSAFETYANDFLOODMANAGEMENT
Obstruction of a watercourse
92. (1) Apersonmaynot engage in anyconstructionworkorotheractivity that causes, or is likely to cause, thenaturalflowconditionsofwater in, toor from awatercourse to bemodified, unless theMinister has granted priorwrittenapprovalfortheworkoractivitytobecarriedout.
(2) TheMinistermay-
(a) bynoticeinwriting,requireanypersonwhoisresponsibleforcarryingout any work or activity referred to in subsection (1) without theMinister’spriorapproval,totakeanyreasonablemeasuresnecessarytoremoveanystructureorthingresultingfromsuchworkoractivitythatcauses,orislikelytocause,amodificationofnaturalflowconditionsmentionedinthatsubsection,ortotakeanyothermeasuresapprovedbytheMinistertominimizetheeffectsofsuchamodification;and
(3) Insubsection(2),“standardpublication”meansanycodeofpractice,standard specification or standard regulations published or issued by any body,organisation or authority established with the object of promoting standardisation,whether in Namibia or elsewhere, and which Namibia is authorised to apply byagreemententeredintowiththatbody,organisationorauthority.
(5) Ifapersonfailstocomplywithanyactionspecifiedinanoticeundersubsection (4)within the specified time, or such additional time as theMinister onapplicationmayapprove,theMinistermay-
(a) authoriseaperson toenteron the landand takeanyactionspecifiedinthenoticeandsuchotheractionasmaybenecessaryordesirabletomakegoodanydamagecausedbytheconstructionofthedam;and
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Obligations of owner of dam
95. (1) Anownerofadammust-(a) uponawritten requestof theMinister,andwithina reasonable time
specified in the request, provide theMinister with any information,drawings,specifications,designassumptions,calculations,documentsortestresultsinrelationtothedamasmaybespecifiedintherequest;and
(b) give access to the dam to any person authorised by theMinister inwritingtoinspectanddetermine-
(i) anymatterrelatingtothesafetyofthedam;
(ii) whetherthedamoughttobedeclaredtobeadamwithasafetyrisk;
(a) toobtainandsubmit to theMinister,at theowner’scost,andwithina reasonable time specified in the notice, a report by a professionalengineerregardingthesafetyconditionofthedam;or
(b) toundertake,attheowner’scost,andwithinareasonabletimespecifiedinthenotice,anyworkforthe,maintenance,repairoralterationofthedamasspecified in thenotice that is reasonablyrequired inorder toensurethesafetyofthedam.
(a) underparagraph(a)ofthatsubsection,theMinistermayappointanyprofessional engineer to carry out an investigation and report to theMinisteronthesafetyconditionofthedam;or
(b) under paragraph (b) of that subsection, theMinister may cause theworkspecifiedinthenotice,tobecarriedoutinaccordancewiththedirective,
Responsibilities of professional engineer 96. (1) When carrying out an investigation in terms of this Part, aprofessionalengineerhasadutyofcaretowardstheStateandthegeneralpublic.
(a) ensure that the work is carried out according to acceptable damengineeringpractices;
(b) keeptheprescribedrecords;
(c) compiletheprescribedreports;
(d) where the work includes constructing, altering or repairing a dam,issueacompletioncertificatetotheownerofthedamtotheeffectthattheworkonthatdamhasbeencarriedoutaccordingtotheapplicabledesign,drawingsandspecifications;and
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(4) A successor-in-title to an owner of a dam with a safety risk mustforthwithinformtheMinisterinwritingoftherelevantdetailsofthesuccession,andtheMinistermustcausethedetailstoberecordedintheregister.
Considerations in declaring dams to be dams with safety risk
(2) The Minister may, in the manner an exemption was made undersubsection(1),withdrawtheexemptionorimposefurtherornewconditionsinrespectoftheexemption.
(d) alternativemeasuresproposedforregulatingthedesign,construction,alteration, repair, operation, maintenance, impoundment of water,inspection or abandonment of the damor category of dams and theeffectivenessofthosemeasures;
(a) bywrittennotice to theowner of any structure causing, or likely tocause,anobstructiontotherunoffoffloodwater,direct theownertoremovetheobstructionwithinaperiodspecifiedinthenotice,andiftheownerfailstocomplywiththenotice,theMinistermaycausetheobstruction to be removed and recover the reasonable cost from theownerasadebtduetotheState;
(b) bynoticeinwritinggivenspecificallytoanyperson,orbyregulation,prohibittheconstructiononsubmersiblelandsofdykes,leveesorotherstructures likely to hinder the runoff of floodwater, or authorize theconstructionofsuchstructuresiftheyarenecessaryfortheprotectionofexistingresidencesorotherprivatestructures;
(c) alter or demolish dykes, embankments, levees, structures or otherworks, irrespectiveof their legalstatusandrecover,asadebtduetotheState,thereasonablecostincurredinsodoingfromtheownerofthestructureif,intheMinister’sopinion,theyhinderwaterrunofforextendthefloodplainwithharmfulresults;
(e) consultwithanyregionalcouncilorlocalauthorityindeterminingthegeographic extent offloodplain areas in its regionor local authorityarea,asthecasemaybe,andassistanysuchcouncilsinregulatingthedevelopmentanduseoflandwithinafloodplainarea;or
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(2) For purposes of this section, reference to “owner of the structure”,includesanypersonwhoisengagedintheconstructionofthestructure.
PART18CONTROLOFACTIVITIESAFFECTINGWETLANDS,WATER
RESOURCESANDRESOURCEQUALITY
Control of use of wetland resources
101. Forthepurposeoftheprotectionandenhancementofwaterresourcequality andwetland aquatic ecosystems, theMinistermay by regulation prohibit orregulate theuseof anywetlandordam for specifiedpurposesor the carryingonofspecified activities within any wetland or dam, except under authority of a licenceissued,andinaccordancewithlicenceconditionsasprescribed,including-
(c) the removal of rocks, sand or gravel or any other material from awatercourse.
Control of aquatic invasive species
102. (1) The Minister may prescribe requirements and measures,includingprohibitions,fortheimportation,useorcontrolofaquaticinvasivespecies,so as to reduce theirnegative impactonwater resourcequality andwetlandaquaticecosystems.
(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may declare certain species to bealieninvasivespeciesandimposemeasures-
(b) the protection of any riparian species if considered of national orstrategicimportanceorifitformspartofwetlandresources.
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PART19WATERSERVICESPROVIDEDBYSTATE
Recovery of fees and charges for water services provided by the State
104. (1) The Minister may prescribe tariffs of fees and charges, inaccordancewithadeterminationbytheWaterRegulator,andtheconditionsapplicableinrespectofwaterservicesprovidedbytheStatetousersofwatercontrolledbytheStateandforthedischargeofeffluentorwastewaterorthedepositofwasteinafacilityoratasitecontrolledoroperatedbytheState.
(4) Conditions prescribed under subsection (1), may include conditionsrelatingtotherestrictionorsuspensionofthesupplyofwatertoauserwhoisindefaultwith the payment of any fees or charges and the payment of a reconnection fee forrestorationofthesupply.
Charge on land
105. (1) Fees and charges under this Part, including any interest orpenalty,andanycostawardedbyacourtinproceedingsfortherecoveryofsuchfeesandcharges,areachargeonthelandon,orinrespectofwhichtherelevantserviceshavebeenprovidedandmayberecoveredfromthecurrentownerwithoutreleasinganyotherpersonwhomaybeliableforthefeesandcharges.
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(b) “servitudeofaqueduct”meanstheright tooccupylandbelongingtoanother person bymeans of a waterwork for abstracting or leadingwaterordischargingeffluents;and
(a) for the purpose of constructing, altering, replacing, inspecting,maintaining,repairingoroperatingawaterworknecessarytoexercisearightundertheservitude;or
(2) Subject to compliance with the requirements of any other law, theholderofaservitudemay,inareasonablemanner-
(a) takefromthelandsubject to theservitudeanymaterialorsubstancereasonably required forconstructing,altering, replacing,maintainingorrepairingawaterworkorpartofawaterworkinrespectofwhichtheservitudehasbeenacquired;
(b) removeandusevegetationoranyotherobstaclewhichisonthelandsubject to the servitude and which is detrimental to the reasonableenjoymentoftheservitude;
111. (1) In determining the amount of compensation payable for thegrantofaservitudeorfortheamendmentofaservitude,theHighCourtmusttakeintoaccountallrelevantfactors,including-
(a) the nature of the servitude or amendment, including the nature andfunctionofthewaterworkrequired;
(b) whether an existing waterwork will be used to give effect to theservitudeoramendment;
(2) Nothing in this section prevents a person from registering theacquisition, amendmentor cancellationof a servitude in accordancewith theDeedsRegistriesAct,1947.
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Cancellation of servitude
113. An owner of land subject to a servitude of abutment, aqueduct orsubmersionmayapplytotheHighCourtforthecancellationoftheservitude-
116. (1) Despite anything to the contrary in any law contained, apersonalservitude,whetherregisteredornot,heldbytheStatemaybetransferredfromtheStatetoanybodyorinstitutionestablishedbyorunderanylawforthepurposeofperformingfunctionsprovidedforinthatlawandbeingcapableofholdingimmovablepropertyorarightinimmovableproperty.
(2) The Registrar of Deeds must register a notarially executed deed ofcessiontotransferaregisteredpersonalservitudereferredtoinsubsection(1).
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PART21WATERTRIBUNALANDAPPEALS
Establishment of Water Tribunal
117. (1) An appeal body, to be known as the Water Tribunal, isestablishedtohearanddecideappealsinmattersreferredtoinsection120.
(b) suchotherpersons,notexceedingsix,astheMinistermayselectandappoint from personswith knowledge or experience in engineering,waterresourcesmanagementandfieldsrelevanttotheobjectiveofthisAct.
(7) A member of theWater Tribunal who is not in the service of theStatemust be paid the allowances, including subsistence and travel allowances andsittingallowances,astheMinistermaydeterminewiththeconcurrenceoftheMinisterresponsibleforfinance.
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Administrative functions and financing
118. (1) The Permanent Secretary must designate staff members oftheMinistrytoperformtheadministrativeworkrelatingtothefunctionsoftheWaterTribunal.
(2) Expenditure relating to the functions of theWaterTribunalmust bedefrayedfrommoneyappropriatedbyParliamentforthepurpose.
Conduct of hearing by Water Tribunal
119. (1) After considering the appropriate field of knowledge fordetermininganappeal,thechairpersonoftheWaterTribunalmaydecidethattheappealbedeterminedatasittingofallthemembersoftheWaterTribunalorofsuchmembers,butnotfewerthan3,asthechairpersonmaydesignatetodeterminetheappeal.
(2) ThechairpersonoftheWaterTribunal,afterconsultationwiththepartiesinvolved in theappealwhoarepresentor represented,maydetermine theproceduretobefollowedforthedeterminationoftheappeal,whichmayincludedeterminationexclusivelybymeansofwrittensubmissionsbyinterestedpartiesorbythehearingofevidence.
(3) Inanappealbyhearingofevidence, theWaterTribunalmay, in theprescribedmanner,eitherattheWaterTribunal’sinitiativeorattherequestofapartyinvolvedintheappeal-
(a) subpoena for questioning any person who may be able to giveinformationrelevanttoanyissuebeforeit;or
(b) subpoena anypersonwho is believed to be in possessionor controlofanybook,documentorobjectrelevanttoanysuchissue,toappearbeforeitandtoproducesuchbook,documentorobject.
(6) ThepersonpresidingatahearingoftheWaterTribunalmayadministeran oath or accept an affirmation fromanyperson appearing as awitness before theWaterTribunal.
(b) issuingalicencetodischargeeffluentorconstructoroperateawatertreatment facility or a waste disposal site, if the appellant was anobjectortotheapplicationforthelicence;
(c) refusal to grant approval for the transfer of a licence to dischargeeffluentor construct or operate awater treatment facilityor awastedisposalsite;
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(a) the termof appointmentof the authorisedperson, if appointed for alimitedterm;and
(b) any conditions imposed under subsection (3)(b) in respect of theauthorisedperson’sappointment.
(5) Anauthorisedperson,ifsorequiredbyapersonwhomaybeaffectedbytheexerciseoftheofficer’spowersunderthisAct,mustproducehisorheridentitycard for inspection by that person and, if the authorised person fails to produce theidentitycardwhensorequired,thepersonisnotobligedtocomplywitharequirementoftheauthorisedperson.
(4) Anauthorisedpersonwhohasareasonablebeliefthatthereisorhasbeenon,orinconnectionwithanylandorpremises,anycontraventionofthisActmayenter the land or premises at any reasonable timewithout notice for the purpose ofascertainingwhetherinfactthereisorwasanysuchcontravention.
(5) An authorised person who enters any land or premises under thissectionmay-
(8) Despiteanything in this section,anauthorisedpersonmaynotenteranypremisesorpartofpremisesusedasadwellingwithouttheconsentoftheoccupierorwithoutawarrantauthorisingentry.
(9) An owner or occupier of land is entitled to be paid reasonablecompensationbytheMinisterfordamagecausedtolandasaresultofanyconstructionworksperformedundersubsection(3).
(2) A person appointed under subsection (1) is not appointed as a staffmemberinthePublicServiceandmustberemuneratedfrommoneyappropriatedbyParliamentforthepurposeorfrommoneymadeavailablebywayofadonationorgrantfromanysourceandinaccordancewithanyconditionsspecifiedbythesource.
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Financial assistance
126. (1) TheMinistermaygivefinancialassistanceto-
(a) any institution,organisation,bodyorpersonperformingfunctions inrelationto-
(m) causes or permits any borehole works to be carried out otherwisethaninaccordancewithaboreholelicenceissuedunderthisActoraspermittedbythisAct;or
(n) drillsor constructsaboreholeorwellof anykindotherwise than inaccordancewithadriller’slicencethatisheldbythatpersonandthatauthorises the person to drill or construct boreholes orwells of thatkind;
(a) of an offence referred to in subsection (1), other than the offencementioned inparagraph (p)of that subsection, is liable to afinenotexceedingN$50000orimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceedingtwoyears,ortobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonmentand,inthecaseofasecondconviction,toafinenotexceedingN$500000orimprisonmentfor a period not exceeding 10 years, or to both such fine and suchimprisonment;or
(a) thepersonisliable,inadditiontothefineotherwiseapplicabletotheoffenceintermsofthatsubsection,toafineforeachdayduringwhichthe act or omission continues of notmore than one-fifth of the fineprescribedforthatoffence;and
(d) the composition of basin management committees, includinginstitutions,organisationorbodiestoberepresentedinthemembershipofabasinmanagementcommittee;
(e) anymatter necessary or expedient for the efficient functioning of abasinmanagementcommitteeoritsmanagementstructure,includingasubcommitteeofabasinmanagementcommittee;
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(f) theimpositionofarequirementthatanyengineeringwork,orengineeringworkofaspecifiednature,inrelationtoadamwithasafetyriskmaybecarriedoutonlybyaprofessionalengineerregisteredbytheMinisterforthatpurpose,theproceduresforandrenewalofsucharegistration,the obligations to be complied with by a professional engineer soregisteredandthecircumstancesinwhichsucharegistrationmaybecancelledorsuspended;
(g) the imposition of a requirement that a person practising as a geo-hydrologistinNamibia,mayperformworkofaspecifiednaturerelatedtotheprofessionofageo-hydrologistonlyifthepersonisregisteredbytheMinistertoperformworkofthatnature,theproceduresforandrenewalofsucharegistration,theobligationstobecompliedwithbyageo-hydrologistsoregisteredandthecircumstancesinwhichsucharegistrationmaybecancelledorsuspended;
(h) the eligibility of any institution, organisation, body or person forfinancial assistance under section 126, the manner in which anapplication for financial assistancemust bemade and the terms andconditionsapplicabletoanyfinancialassistancegranted;
(l) the fees payable in respect of applications for any licence, permit,registrationorotherauthorisationunderthisAct,theissuingandrenewalof a licence, permit, registration certificate or other authorisation ortheissueofaduplicate,licencepermit,registrationcertificateorotherauthorisation;
(m) the registration of impoundments and dams, including dams with asafetyrisk;and
(n) generally any matter which the Minister considers necessary orexpedienttoprescribeinordertoachievethepurposesofthisAct.
(2) If the Minister considers it advisable for the purpose of making aregulation in connection with anymatter mentioned in subsection (1), theMinistermay,bywrittennoticegiveninamannertheMinisterconsidersappropriate,inviteanyinstitution,organisation,bodyorperson,includinganybasinmanagementcommittee,thecontrollingbodyoftheengineeringprofession,anylocalauthority,regionalcouncilorotherorganofStatetoparticipateinanyconsultation,asspecifiedinthatnotice,forthepurposeofformulatingtheregulationproposedtobemade.
Act No. 11, 2013 WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT, 2013
(c) conferpowersorimposedutiesonanyperson;and
(d) createacriminaloffenceforanycontraventionof,orfailuretocomplywithanyprovisionoftheregulationsandprescribepenaltiesinrespectofanysuchoffencenotexceedingafineofN$100,000orimprisonmentfor a period not exceeding 2 years, or both such penalty and suchimprisonment.
(4) ApersonwhoimmediatelybeforethecommencementofthisActwasauthorised to discharge effluent under a permit in force under a repealed law,maycontinuewiththedischargeofeffluentinaccordancewiththeauthorisationgrantedbythatpermit,butthatpersonmust,inaccordancewithsection72ofthisAct,applytotheMinister,notlaterthan18monthsafterthedateofcommencementofthisAct,fortheissueofalicencetodischargeeffluentunderthisAct,andsuchapplicationmustbeaccompaniedbyastatementsettingout-
(5) A person who immediately before the commencement of this Actoperatedawastewatertreatmentfacilityorwastedisposalsitemaycontinuetooperatethatwastewater treatment facilityorwastedisposal site, despite the requirementsofsection69(2),butthatpersonmust,inaccordancewithsection72,applytotheMinisterfortheissueofalicencetooperatethatwastewatertreatmentfacilityordisposalsiteunderthisActnotlaterthan18monthsafterthedateofcommencementofthisAct.
(6) Without prejudice to subsections (3), (4) and (5), a personwho, onthe date of commencement of thisAct, owns or uses or is in control of any dam,impoundment or borehole or carries on an activitywhich is required by thisAct tobe licensed, registered or authorised otherwise, and in respect of which, before thecommencementofthisAct,apermitorotherauthorisationwasnotrequiredintermsofarepealedlaw,maycontinuetouseorcontrolsuchdamorboreholeortocarryonsuchactivitywithouttherequiredlicence,registrationorauthorisation,butthatpersonmust,inaccordancewiththisAct,applytotheMinisterfortheissueoftheappropriatelicence,registrationcertificateorotherauthorisationunderthisAct,notlaterthan18monthsafterthedateofcommencementofthisAct.
(7) Apersonauthorisedby-
(a) subsection (3) to continue with the abstraction and use of water inaccordancewiththepermitreferredtointhatsubsection;
ceasestobesoauthorisedontheexpiryofthe18months’periodreferredtointhosesubsectionsifthepersonhasfailedtoapplytotheMinisterfortheissueoftheappropriatelicence,registrationorotherauthorisationunderthisActbeforetheexpiryofthatperiod,unless theMinister upon application and good cause shown by any affected persongrantsanextensionofthatperiod,butnotexceedinganadditionalperiodof12months,andsubjecttosuchconditionsastheMinistermayimpose.
(8) Any tariffsof fees andcharges in respectofwater supplyandotherwaterrelatedserviceswhichwereofforceandleviedbyanyauthority,bodyorpersonunderanylaw,immediatelybeforethedateofcommencementofthisAct,continuetobeofeffectuntiltariffsoffeesandchargesaredeterminedbytheWaterRegulatorinrespectofthatauthority,bodyorpersonunderthisAct.
Act No. 11, 2013 WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT, 2013
SCHEDULE
LAWSREPEALEDORAMENDED(Section133)
No. and Year of Law Short Title Extent of Repeal or AmendmentActNo.54of1956ActNo.75of1957ActNo.56of1961ActNo.63of1963ActNo.71of1965ActNo.11of1966ActNo.79of1967ActNo.77of1969ActNo.34of1971ActNo.45of1972ActNo.58of1974ActNo.42of1975ActNo.27of1976ActNo.108of1977ActNo.4of1982ActNo.22of1985ActNo.23of1992
RepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeRepealedaswholeThe amendment of section 30(1) bythe substitution in paragraph (u) forthe words preceding subparagrph (i)ofthefollowingwords:
“(u) to determine by notice in theGazette, the charges, fees andothermoneys payable in respectofanyservice,amenityorfacilityestablished and provided by itunderthisAct,butsubject,inthecaseoffeesandchargesinrespectof thesupplyofwaterandotherwaterrelatedservice,toanytariffof fees and charges determinedbytheWaterRegulatorundertheWater Resources ManagementAct, 2013 that is applicable tothelocalauthoritycouncil,oranymatter regulated and controlledbyitthereunder,including-”.
(a) Theamendmentofsection6-
(i) bythesubstitutionforparagraph(a) of subsection (1) of thefollowingparagraph:
“(a) explore, develop and managewater resources under theCorporation’s control for thepurposeofwatersupply;”and
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No. and Year of Law Short Title Extent of Repeal or Amendment(ii) by the substitution for paragraph
(c)ofthefollowingparagraph:
“(c) subject to section 7 [and notwithstanding any provisions of the Water Act to the contrary], supply water tocustomers within and outsidethe borders of the Republic ofNamibia;”.
(b) Theamendmentofsection7-
(i) by the substitution for paragraph(a) of subsection (1) of thefollowingparagraph:
“(a)levytariffsforthesupplyofwaterin accordancewith the tariffs offees and charges determined bytheWaterRegulatorinaccordancewithPart4oftheWaterResourcesManagement Act, 2013, whichtariffs are to be determined bytheWaterRegulatoronafullcostrecoverybasis.”;and
(ii)bythesubstitutionforparagraph(b) of subsection (1) of thefollowingparagraph:
“(b) determine and levy charges
for services rendered, otherthan water supply, facilitiesprovided or rights leased by theCorporation;”and
(c) The substitution for subsection
(1)ofsection14ofthefollowingsubsection:
“(1)TheCorporationshall,subjectto the provisions of this Actand any standards prescribedin respect of water quality andwater supply services under theWater Resources ManagementAct,2013,andafterconsultationwithsuchbodiesorpersonsasitmay deem necessary, formulateand maintain service standardsin respect ofwater, services andfacilitiesor leaseof rightsunderthisAct, and may from time totimeamendthosestandards.”.
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No. and Year of Law Short Title Extent of Repeal or AmendmentActNo.24of2004