WATER BOARDS
Protecting, conserving and managing water
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ituated in southwestern South Africa, the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency (BGCMA) plays a pivotal role in protecting, developing, conserving and managing water resources. Formerly known as the Breede-Overberg Catchment Management Agency, the Gouritz region was recently incorporated within the organisation’s mandate. The merger came after the former Minister of Water Affairs, Edna Molelwa, approved the expansion of the boundary and area of operation of Breede-Overberg CMA in terms of Section 78(4) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998). The area of operation of the BreedeGouritz Catchment Management Agency includes the previous Breede-Overberg Water Management Area and the Gouritz Catchment.
Quality for all “The strategic focus of the agency incorporates water resource planning, water use management, institutional development, water resource protection and water allocation reform,” says CEO Phakamani Buthelezi. “The vision of the BGCMA, ‘quality water for all, forever’, was developed around the question of how the BGCMA can make a positive contribution and engender meaningful change within a broader social context.” The main elements of the vision are inclusion and participation of all stakeholders; mediation between competing environmental and human priorities; ensuring availability of good-quality water; and a responsibility to assist in eradicating poverty. Buthelezi explains that the BGCMA works closely with local governments on water management
and water-related services to ensure synergy between the priorities of the CMA and the local and district municipalities. “The BGCMA is the operating arm of the Department of Water and Sanitation, and its aim is to bring water resource services, in an efficient manner, to the inhabitants of the BreedeGouritz Water Management Area,” explains Buthelezi. “Furthermore, the BGCMA works closely with other government departments to ensure compliance in all water use practices. The BGCMA provides comments on rezoning and consolidations to relevant municipalities, and on environmental impact studies and basic assessment reports in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Affairs.” Legal compliance The BGCMA is currently busy with the validation and verification process whereby all water users will be evaluated for legal compliance. This process will assist with the management of water allocations in the Breede-Gouritz Water Management Area. MAY/JUN 2016
Our Vision is
“Quality water for all, forever”
Our Mission is to manage our water resources responsibly through stakeholder engagement and to devolve decision making to the lowest level for the benefi t of all water users in the Breede-Gouritz area. Breede-Gouritz CMA is responsible for: • Water Resource Planning • Water Allocation Reform • Water Use Management
• Institutional Management • Resource Protection
For more information contact us on: Ms Malehlohonolo Mlabateki Public Relations and Marketing Officer Tel: (023) 346 8000 | Fax: (023) 347 2012 E-mail: mmlabateki@breedegouritzcma.co.za
Breede-Gouritz CMA (BGCMA) 51 Baring Street, Worcester, 6850, 101 York Street (New Office), George, 6529
Breede-Gouritz CMA Private Bag X 3055 Worcester, 6849
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