PUBLIC STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

On 20 August 2024, a hybrid Public Stakeholder Meeting was called to provide public stakeholders with an introduction to the project and present on the project's progress to date. 

Dr. Stanley Nzama (Department of Water and Sanitation Project Manager), together with Dr Kornelius Riemann (UMVOTO PSP Project Lead), presented on the Introduction, Background and details of the project with Ms Ndileka Mohapi as Chairperson, moderating the different inputs and comments from the attendees. The meeting was closed by Mr Yakeen Atwaru, DWS Director, that reiterated the importance of the project and encouraging the project team on its anticipated progress and intended outputs. 

PROJECT BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION

South Africa's water resources are facing increasing pressure due to factors such as growing demand, climate variability, and pollution. Groundwater, as a key component of the nation's water supply, plays a vital role in sustaining communities, agriculture, and ecosystems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In recognition of the importance of protecting and managing these resources, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has initiated the project “Refinement of Strategic Groundwater Source Areas of South Africa.”

The project is motivated by the need to enhance the delineation and management of Strategic Groundwater Source Areas (SWSA-gw), which are critical for maintaining water security, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring the resilience of water supply systems. By refining these areas using an updated methodology and incorporating the latest available datasets, the project aims increase the spatial precision of the current delineations and improve decision-making processes and contribute to the long-term sustainability of South Africa's groundwater resources.
This initiative is aligned with national water policies and international best practices, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water resource management. Through collaborative efforts and stakeholder engagement, the project aims to build a robust framework for groundwater protection that supports the country's development goals and enhances the resilience of its water systems.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of this project is to refine the delineation of Strategic Groundwater Source Areas (SWSA-gw) to an aquifer-specific scale. Building on foundational studies of SWSAs (i.e., Nel et al., 2013 and Le Maître et al., 2018) this project will leverage these findings to expand the definition of SWSA-gw.

Key objectives include developing a scientifically robust methodology for identifying and delineating SWSA-gw across national and transboundary aquifers or aquifer systems, with a focus on integrating groundwater quality and significant baseflow contributions. The project will also review and refine the scale of these areas and establish a strategy for their protection and management. Throughout the process, the project team will ensure ongoing consultation, keeping all stakeholders, interested parties, and water users informed of the project’s progress.

Project weblink: https://www.dws.gov.za/wem/currentstudies/

(Attached below the Background information Document as well as the published Inception Report - as also available on the link above)