1. National Water Resource Strategy 2 Portfolio Committee Hearings: Response to Submissions Fred van Zyl Department of Water Affairs November 2012 1

2. 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 2

3. 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 3

4. 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 4

5. 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 5

6. Public response framework 6 governance technical spatial institutional enabling operational strategic Use/impact sector outcome holistic programmes Submissions represented different themes and dimensions Submissions reflect different operating levels Few submissions focussed on outcomes and the total picture

7. 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 7

8. 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 8

9. 3. Response framework 1.Definition & understanding of “strategy” 2.Scope, contents and format: 1.Legal requirement 2.NWRS1 framework vs NWRS2 drivers 3.Policy or no policy 4.‘new’ concepts: yes or no? 5.Too much, too little 3.NWRS 1 analysis & strategic assessment 4.Format, structure & style 9

10. Response framework 5.Specific Issues 1.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 issues 6.Information 7.Alignment & integration with Water Services 10

11. 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 11

12. 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 12

13. Focus on purpose (as per NW Act) Water resources must be: 13 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

14. (2) Difference between and rationale for change between NWRS1 and NWRS2 14 NWRS1NWRS2 Limited sector knowledge, participation, ownership, DWA responsible and accountable Sector ownership and focus, joint accountability and responsibility Core 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

15. (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 15

16. International Assessments (2012) WWF, Rio+20, water security Workshop 16 Water quality Central role of water Threats Ineffectual leadership Fresh water security State risks ecosystems ReasonsIntervention 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

17. (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 17

18. (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 18

19. 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 19

20. 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 20

21. 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) 21

22. 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 22

23. 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. 23

24. 3.5 Response to specific issues raised during the Public Hearings 24

25. Governance and Leadership (1) 25 Integrated planning Urban strategy Rural Strategy Core Strategy 2: These issues will be addressed in the implementation framework Regulations Information Monitoring Compliance Fair 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

26. Governance and Leadership (2) overnance and Leadership 26 Water use authorizations Licensing backlogs Implement 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 framework Fast track establishment of CMAs Delegate functions Involve 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 InformationAddress required information gap and requirements Need to align Response: Updated, detailed water balance & accounts per WMA not available. Advanced reconciliation studies and associated information presents required strategic insight and direction Information and strategic implications in NWRS1 are still valid and applicable.

27. Governance and Leadership (3) overnance and Leadership 27 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.

28. Management of water resources overnance and Leadership 28 Water use efficiency Core Strategy 6, Detailed Core Strategy 2 addresses the issues Water quality River Health AMD Fracking Waste Water Systems Core Strategy 5, Detailed Core Strategy 1, Governance Strategy 2 AMD & fracking will be addressed Specific water quality sub-strategy to be included Reserve Prioritisation, monitoring and management of ecological and human needs Eco Systems Management Core Strategies 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 Agree to strengthen reserve & eco- systems components Alignment with Water Services Will align with Water Services

29. Technical matters 29 Infrastructure –newCore strategy 10, Enabling strategy 1: Will improve and strengthen. Operation and maintenance Core strategy 9, agree on expanding and prioritization. New innovationFog harvesting, rainwater harvesting, alien vegetation, stream flow reduction activities will be addressed

30. Operational matters 30 DWA operational issuesVarious requests to deal with operational level issues such as water licensing, trading, strategic use and allocation, etc Response: Agree, need to be addressed. Various policy implications and related issues.

31. Cross cutting issues 31 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 creationCore Strategies 3, 4 & 10, Enabling Strategies 1, 2 Pro poorEquity, 1, 4 Skills developmentEnabling Strategy 2

32. 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 32

33. 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 33

34. 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 34

35. “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 35

36. Thank You