Klein Karoo Compliance and Enforcement Blitz in full swing

Today was the third day of the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency (BGCMA), Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Department of Environmental Affairs Development Planning (DEATP) Compliance Blitz in Klein Karoo.

The week’s Compliance and Enforcement Blitz is aimed at curbing illegal water use activities that have been reported since the prolonged drought in the Klein Karoo region. In recent months BGCMA  received several  allegations of illegal water use within the Gouritz Region, and these include diversion of rivers, illegal abstractions, and other unlawful activities.

Sputnik Ratau, Spokeperson from the  National Department of Water and Sanitation, says more than 30 farm properties have been visited and inspected between Oudtshoorn, George, Uniondale and De Rust to date.

Ratau further states that while the comprehensive results of the blitz will be unveiled next week, non-compliances and unlawful activities have already been identified:

• Water measurements in properties are not in compliance with regulations

Although the area received some rain recently, we still saw that the water resources including dams and rivers in the area are dry. This is  a clear indication of the present drought situation in the Klein Karoo region.

“The way property owners have opened their hearts and properties to our inspection teams has been heartwarming. Likewise, it is frustrating that some property owners refused to let the teams enter their sites. Our appeal is to all water users to work with the government and other citizens to safeguard water resources and the environment”, says Ratau.

The Klein Karoo Compliance and Enforcement Blitz concludes on Friday, 12 November.

“Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity”

Source: Government of South Africa