Question NW2988 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
26 October 2023 - NW2988
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What number of water use licences for each category of licence were awarded to farmers and/or farming entities for the purposes of (a) farming and (b) water storage and/or irrigation in each province in the past three financial years?
Reply:
a) The authority of approving and issuing water and irrigation rights lies with the Department of Water and Sanitation. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s role with regard to irrigation is to monitor compliance with laws governing irrigation and water use management, as well as provide technical support and advice.
b) The Department of Water and Sanitation is the custodian for information relating to water resources and is best placed to respond.