Dear Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation,

[D] Why was a period of 30 days chosen ?

The window period to register a dam safety dam for the first time is (S120(2)) 120 days.

[E] Was the intention of Relegation 37 and notice 5591 to condone late registrations ?

Late registrations may be condoned under S66.
If so 30 days is not enough time for the average owner to reply to technical questions.

[F] Did or will the Department gather information under S118 and is there any possibility of declaring other dams with potential disastrous effects as dams with a safety risk ?

Examples:
Smaller irrigation dams near Wellington that failed and flooded settlements.
The developer is required under S 144 to have plans showing flood lines.
Informal settlements are not developed but was any warning issued under S 145 ?
Tailings dams (Jagersfontein) where the water capacity is unknown.
When failing might result in loss of life , damage to property and water resource and the environment.
Other



[G] Where in the Act is it required that a dam with a safety risk require a dam safety licence ?

It is appreciated that the older dam safety regulations insisted on dam safety permits (similar to licenses) but that was not consistent with S9C of the 1956 Water Act.
The regulations prescribing licences are not consistent with the act.
[H] Will DWS correct incorrect coordinates on their dam safety dataset.

Suggested method consistent with law.
Issue certificates under S124 to water officers with the purpose to correct the dataset.
These officers may the visit farms with registered dams to update records under S125(1) (Routine visit).
Coordinates can be obtained with a modern cellphone or GPS.
E-mail addresses can also be obtained.
After the update unregistered dams could be identified.
Note that a warrant is needed to visit a farm with an unregistered dam. (S125(3)).