National Water Resource Strategy 2 Portfolio Committee Hearings: Response to Submissions
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Transcript of National Water Resource Strategy 2 Portfolio Committee Hearings: Response to Submissions
National Water Resource Strategy 2
Portfolio Committee Hearings: Response to Submissions
Fred van ZylDepartment of Water Affairs
November 2012
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1. Introductory Statement• The Department of Water Affairs appreciates and values the
engagement and support of the Portfolio Committee towards the development of an effective and appropriate NWRS2
• The Department appreciates and welcomes the input and responses provided by the public and sector role-players
• The Department is in the process of extended & extensive engagement with the presenters, institutions, sectors & role players
• The Department is also conducting a series of consultations with sector stakeholder and all these comments will be assessed and reviewed
• The public consultations will run up to 7 December 2012 and the aim is to finalise the NWRS by March 2013
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Hearings a key part of a broader consultation process:
• Public Consultation– National– Provincial
• Theme and Sector Consultation– Various sectors– Civil Society– Theme workshops– Sector support team
• Media & communication• Website, e-mails and written submissions
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2. General Comments & Overview• The submissions & presentations reflected a wide spectrum
of aspects & issues regarding the draft strategy, varying from the inclusion of specific programmes to improved regulation, from specific water quality issues such as acid mine drainage and ‘fracking’ to the need to engage with sector strategies, from information requirements to policy debate, from style & format to institutional requirements
• The comments are being considered• DWA has to consider and decide on how the comments will
be incorporated into the NWRS2
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General Comments & Overview (2)
• There are diverse opinions on what the ‘strategy’ must include &/or provide, including some dissatisfaction on what is currently in the strategy
• Most stakeholders commented on their own areas of interest and therefore comments are mostly theme or programme focussed with related expectations
• In principle positive support & appreciation for the Strategy framework and associated strategies
• DWA acknowledges some gaps in the strategy as well as the need to reorganise and provide more detail
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Public response framework
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governance
governance
spatialspatialinstitutionalinstitutional
enabling
enabling
operationaloperational
strategicstrategic
Use/im
pact
secto
r
Use/im
pact
secto
routcomeoutcome
outcomeoutcome
outcomeoutcome
outcomeoutcome
outcomeoutcome
holistic
programmesprogrammes
Submissions represented different themes and
dimensions
Submissions represented different themes and
dimensions
Submissions reflect different operating levels
Submissions reflect different operating levels
Few submissions focussed on outcomes and the total
picture
Few submissions focussed on outcomes and the total
picture
Some Positive Responses
• Major support for Core Strategies • Strong demand for effective water regulation • Demand to address functionality, operations & maintenance• Need to address mobilization of resources• Need to ensure implementation tools & instruments (sub strategies, legislation, etc)• Link with water services• Align with Sector goals & strategies• Provide detailed objectives, targets and responsibilities
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Specific comments on strategy approach
• Only focus on NWRS1 framework and content!• Include assessment on limited implementation of
NWRS1• Too many strategies • Exclude policy issues and implications• Only focus on operational issues and actions• Proposal to exclude some concepts: smart
management, water footprint, value chain, source to tap
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3. Response framework
1. Definition & understanding of “strategy”2. Scope, contents and format:
1. Legal requirement 2. NWRS1 framework vs NWRS2 drivers3. Policy or no policy4. ‘new’ concepts: yes or no?5. Too much, too little
3. NWRS 1 analysis & strategic assessment4. Format , structure & style
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Response framework
5. Specific Issues1. Improved governance: regulation, law reform 2. Sector alignment & involvement 3. New proposals & theme gaps: urban strategies,
rural strategy, AMD, fracking, off-setting 4. Institutional: CMAs, forums, Infrastructure
agency, water tribunal 5. Operational issues6. Information7. Alignment & integration with Water Services
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3.1 Definition and understanding of ‘strategy’ & associated detail
• Different expectations: from high level strategic direction to programmes, and associated activities with detailed implementation plans
• Extensive detail required in terms of NW Act (detailed information, plans, guidelines, procedures for each action)
• Different levels of detail in terms of macro and core strategies vs operational strategies
• Issue of availability of extended theme strategies
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3.2. Scope Contents and Format(1) Legal requirements
• Requirement 1: Strategy must set out strategies to achieve the purpose of the Act:– ‘Purpose’ clearly described in Act but no associated strategies for key
Outcomes in NWRS1 (except ecosystem protection, disaster management & international) – now included, plus sector strategy alignment
• Information requirement: Challenges experienced to provide detailed water accounts per WMA: detail not available, but advanced information and associated strategies reflected in Reconciliation Studies which forms part of NWRS2. Presentation of water balances problematic in terms of reality of sector & user misinterpretation
• Legal ‘status’: Format & style of document to be addressed
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Focus on purpose(as per NW Act)
Water resources must be:
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To support (achieve)
protected
used
developed
conserved
managed
controlled
Basic human needs
Equitable access
Redressing the past
Efficient, sustainable use
Social & economic development
protecting aquatic ecosystems
Prevent pollution & degradation
Disasters, dam safety, international, growth
valued
(2) Difference between and rationale for change between NWRS1 and NWRS2
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NWRS1 NWRS2Limited sector knowledge, participation, ownership, DWA responsible and accountable
Sector ownership and focus, joint accountability and responsibilityCore strategies
Limited and fragmented implementation
Implementation model with clear agreements, integrated approach (internal and external)Enabling strategies and strategic intervention (governance model)
Internally focused on the water sector
Alignment across sectors such as agriculture, land reform, energy, private sector, etc. Also spatial alignment
(3) Policy or No Policy
• NPC recommended that NWRS2 must only be an operational strategy of existing policy and should not include any new policy
• Response: present & future situation and requirements demand a rethink of existing water management model and associated strategies. DWA and many other stakeholders such as BUSA, Energy, Environment, Agriculture, Civil Society supports the inclusion of key and critical policy issues
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International Assessments (2012)WWF, Rio+20, water security Workshop
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Water qualityCentral role of
water
Threats
Ineffectual leadership
Fresh water security
State risks
ecosystems
Reasons Intervention
Financial resources
Technical ability
Management ability
Historical experience insufficient
funding
Align with social, economic goals
Collective sector effort
Water footprint
Smart , holistic culture
Concepts aligned with international framework
(4) Include ‘new’ concepts: yes or no?• 2 groups objected to the introduction of new
concepts such as water footprint, source to tap, core strategies.
• Majority of other groups/ institutions are strong supporters thereof
• Response : maintain concepts but provide more detail and actions
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(5) NWRS2 includes too much, too little• Recommendations received to only focus on a few areas• Statements made that DWA is too optimistic and must be
more realistic• Response:
– Recommendations in principle valid – However, some strategies are not negotiable and must be
implemented– When combining all input, there is an increase in number of
proposed strategies– All strategies are in principle valid and will be addressed by
different managers and institutions
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3.3 NWRS 1 analysis & strategic assessment
• Proposal to include a section on strategic analysis of NWRS1 implementation
• Response: Strategic assessment was done, not only in terms of NWRS1, but also in terms of the water challenges experienced
• Instead of reflecting the findings in a defensive manner, it was introduced as critical core and enabling strategies
• Assessment process and findings will be included in preamble
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Strategic Assessment 1• Failure to implement
– Lack of ownership : < 2 - 4% awareness– Product v/s ‘live strategy’ approach– Inadequate commitment, will, leadership
• Why water concerns & challenges:– Status of water: water not valued, poor culture and attitude– Incomplete and inadequate governance and management
approach/ model (‘smart thinking’)– Inadequate leadership and commitment– Inadequate integrated planning & alignment– Lack of sector ownership and accountability
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Strategic Assessment cont
• Role & position of Water– Water management not aligned with sector macro
strategies and vice versa– Water not central to planning decision making
• Specific concerns:– Skills, capacity– Funding– Business model– Information, knowledge – Insight & understanding (no water concerns)
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Strategic Assessment 2: Dealing with the future
• Reality• Water @ the cross roads• Dealing with the real & reality challenges• Issue of ‘insight vs sight’• Redesigning the governance model
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3.4 Format , structure & style
• Need to improve style, align sub strategies with core strategies
• Focus on and include implementation plan with clear targets, detail actions, timeframes, responsibilities.
• Need to translate in all languages ( user friendly)• Response: Agree. Implementation plan will be
submitted with the NWRS2 . The document will be translated after gazetting. Summarised, user friendly interim translations are under development.
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3.5 Response to specific issues raised during the Public Hearings
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Governance and Leadership (1)
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Integrated planningUrban strategyRural Strategy
Core Strategy 2: These issues will be addressed in the implementation framework
RegulationsInformationMonitoringComplianceFair and consistent Transparency
Governance Strategy 2: Availability of information and transparency acknowledged within the government legislative framework. Issues raised will be considered in the rework and other related strategies & legal framework
Governance and Leadership (2)overnance and Leadership
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Water use authorizationsLicensing backlogsImplement compulsory licensing
The Department has already prioritised the eradication of the water use licensing backlog through the Letsema programme. The intension is to proceed with compulsory licensing and it will be included in the NWRS2 and the implementation framework.
Institutional frameworkFast track establishment of CMAsDelegate functionsInvolve Civil Society
Governance Strategy 3: Proposals to include, improve and address motive for CMAs, participatory management and the role of forums, Infrastructure agency, the Water Tribunal , Regulator
Information Address required information gap and requirementsNeed to align Response:Updated, detailed water balance & accounts per WMA not available.Advanced reconciliation studies and associated information presents required strategic insight and directionInformation and strategic implications in NWRS1 are still valid and applicable.
Governance and Leadership (3)overnance and Leadership
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Investment framework for the water sector
Core strategy 10: A Water Sector investment framework has been developed and was endorsed by Cabinet. Response: Comments to strengthen it will be incorporated.
Management of water resourcesovernance and Leadership
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Water use efficiency Core Strategy 6, Detailed Core Strategy 2 addresses the issues
Water qualityRiver HealthAMDFrackingWaste Water Systems
Core Strategy 5, Detailed Core Strategy 1, Governance Strategy 2AMD & fracking will be addressedSpecific water quality sub-strategy to be included
ReservePrioritisation , monitoring and management of ecological and human needsEco Systems Management
Core Strategies 1, 2, 3, 4, 7Agree to strengthen reserve & eco-systems components
Alignment with Water Services Will align with Water Services
Technical matters
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Infrastructure –new Core strategy 10, Enabling strategy 1: Will improve and strengthen.
Operation and maintenance
Core strategy 9, agree on expanding and prioritization.
New innovation Fog harvesting, rainwater harvesting, alien vegetation, stream flow reduction activities will be addressed
Operational matters
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DWA operational issues Various requests to deal with operational level issues such as water licensing, trading, strategic use and allocation, etcResponse: Agree, need to be addressed. Various policy implications and related issues.
Cross cutting issues
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Sector Collaboration DWA has established an extensive collaboration network during the consultation process and will proceed and formalize it further during the implementation phase
Job creation Core Strategies 3, 4 & 10, Enabling Strategies 1, 2
Pro poor Equity, 1, 4
Skills development Enabling Strategy 2
4 Implementation Framework And Governance
• Clear implementation framework will be developed• Outcome based• Timeframes• Prioritizing• Business alignment
– Aligned to DWA performance plan and strategy– Strengthen partnerships with existing Government structures
and Departments– Sector partnerships and commitments
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5 DWA Proposed Process to assess and consider comments
• 90 days consultation period ends on 7 December 2012• DWA will then enter a phase during which the comments and
inputs will be assessed, reviewed and incorporated as relevant and appropriate – mid-December 2012 to January/Februay 2013
• In order to ensure transparency, an evidence based approach and buy in, DWA will set up internal and external review panels:– Sector Specialists– DWA Strategy Champions– Senior Management– Minister
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DWA Proposed Process to assess and consider comments
• Timeframes– Redraft – March 2013– Minister’s endorsement of redrafted NWRS2 - end March 2013– State of the Nation Address – include NWRS2- February 2013– Cluster approvals – early 2013– Cabinet approval – April 2013– Parliament approval – subject to and following Cabinet approval– Gazette by the Minister – mid 2013
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“The difference between a successful person and others is
not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge,
but rather in a lack of will” Vincent T. Lombardi
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Thank You