This research aimed to provide a critical perspective on the management of ecological water requirements (EWRs), with a specific focus on the Mooi River sub-basin, South Africa. The specific sub-basin was chosen because of its complex governance context and the presence of mixed economic activities such as mining, industrialization, agriculture and urbanization. While monitoring is done through the River Ecosystem Monitoring Program (REMP) across the country and while policies, strategies and guidelines are available for monitoring water resources, several challenges in the governance of EWRs appear to exist.
For the purpose of the research, peer-reviewed literature as well as related policy and legislation were critically analyzed and a theoretical framework relating to EWR management was established. The establishment of guidelines such as Resource Quality Objectives (RQOs) was not done in consultation with the stakeholders. The government departments and DWS mandates are not met due to fragmented approach and working in silos; therefore there is shifting of responsibilities.
I would like to thank the Almighty God for inspiration, guidance, perseverance, perseverance and all resources I needed to start and complete this research. My son (Mokondzi Zane Itolo), for his presence in my life that enabled me not to quit.
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the research
- Problem statement
- Justification
- Research aim and objectives
- Main objective (aim) .................................Error! Bookmark not defined
- Research questions
- Main research questions
- Secondary research questions
- Structure of the dissertation
The Mooi River Basin is a good example of a complex water management challenge, including addressing EWR, which appears to be lacking (Haggard & Harding, 2015). The Mooi River catchment is so complex and belongs to the upper Vaal catchment. These land uses are expected to increase water demand over time, especially within the watershed.
However, these serious water management challenges mainly exist in complex watersheds, such as the Mooi River sub-basin. For this reason, this sub-basin provided an ideal case study for exploring governance challenges related to EWR (Van der Walt & Nell, 2002). EWR is one of the monitoring programs set up to focus on monitoring the ecological conditions in the river ecosystem and is reflected in the system drivers and biological responses (Claassen, 2013).
In light of the problem statement and rationale, the aim of the research was to reflect critically on EWR management using the Mooi River sub-catchment as a case study. This chapter outlines the background and rationale for the research as well as the problem statement.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Water governance
Policy and legislation in water governance
- Intergovernmental Relation Framework Act
- National Water Act (NWA)
- National Water Resource Strategy (NWRS)
- Catchment Management Strategy (CMS)
- Internal Strategic Perspective (ISP)
- Fiveyear water resources quality monitoring plan
- Perspective on the framework of water resources monitoring governance
- Institutional re-alignment project
- Role players in the water resource regulatory chain in South Africa
Ecological water requirements governance in South Africa
- Water resources classification
- Resource quality objectives
Challenges contributing to inadequate Ecological Water Requirements
- Capacity gaps
- Funding gap
- Information gap
- Policy gap
- Administrative gaps
- Lack of accountability
Ecological Water Requirements governance at the Mooi River
- Classification of the Mooi River sub-catchment
- Resource quality objectives of the Mooi River
- Lack of information for the Mooi river
- Lack of capacity
- Climate change in the Mooi River
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Study location
Catchment description
Research design
Target population and sampling
Data collection method and research instrument
- Data collection method
- Research instruments
Interview questions design
Procedure and administration for data collection
Data analysis method
- Open ended questions (semi-structured interviews)
Trustworthiness
- Credibility
- Transferability
- Dependability
- Conformability
Ethical issues
Introduction
Sample interviewee information (Section A)
Number of respondents and organisation
Years of experience
Themes identified
- Challenges for Ecological Water Requirement (EWR) governance in the
- Ecological Water Requirement (EWR) governance: The status
- Challenges for Ecological Water Requirement (EWR) governance in the
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
Conclusions
As a critical perspective on the management of ecological water requirements in the South African context, the Mooi River sub-catchment was determined through semi-structured interviews and open-ended questions. Establishing the key challenges for managing ecological water requirements (EWR) in the Mooi River sub-catchment. An assessment of the current governance mandate related to EWR as described in policy and legislation.
A survey of the views of various stakeholders in the Mooi River Basin on the challenges to the EWR management mandate. Based on the analysis of participants' responses, it was found that the main challenge of EWR management in the Mooi River and other watersheds is the non-involvement of stakeholders such as municipalities, consultants and the general public. We have only been in Mooi River for just over 3 years and mostly work with the municipality because of the contract we have right.
When we encounter a problem on the ground, we follow protocol to work with the municipality, the water quality department. The municipality has the power to engage with the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Department of National Parks. There are mines upstream of the catchment and pollution from there ends up in the Mooi River resulting in high E.coli and total coliforms in the water treatment plant and this makes it challenging to treat.”.
Regarding the issues related to EWR government mandates, respondents emphasized that stakeholders played a particularly critical role in supporting the EWR through regulatory compliance. The role of DWS and government agencies is to enforce the regulations and ensure that the information required for EWR is verified. Their mandate is also to protect water resources; However, there is concern that government departments operate in silos, leading to a fragmented process and a lack of cooperative governance.
However, I am of the opinion that the current legislation and policies are enough, the main challenge is the implementation”. Stakeholders from the Mooi River sub-catchment and other sub-catchments highlighted that challenges highlighted public participation, lack of transparency to stakeholders and poor information communication channels. Stakeholders such as consultants complained about their lack of involvement, while members of the public indicated that they had little knowledge and information about the EWR and its components.
Recommendations
Building capacity for collaborative governance as a basis for integrated water resource management in the Inkomati and Mvoti catchments, South Africa. Institutional design proposals for managing adaptation to climate change in the water sector. The role of management methods and meta-management in the transformation towards sustainable water management.
Evaluating continuous monthly baseflow time series and their potential use in an ecological reserve context. Heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) in mud fish and sediments from three hard water dams in the Mooi River catchment, South Africa. Planktonic algae and cyanoprokaryotes as indicators of ecosystem quality in the Mooi River system, North West Province, South Africa.
What was your role as an official or stakeholder in the EWR process for the Mooi River sub-catchment. According to your understanding, which government departments and stakeholders are involved in the implementation of EWR – and what are their implementation mandates and roles. What has been your involvement in the process of the EWR for the Mooi River sub-.
To what extent are you familiar with the policies and guidelines for stakeholder responsibilities in implementing EWR governance. What recommendations can you make to improve EWR management in the Mooi River sub-basin? What is your understanding of EWR governance in your sub-area?
What was your role as a public official or stakeholder in the EWR process for the sub-catchment you were involved with. Section C: Challenges for Ecological Water Requirement (EWR) Management in the River Sub-catchment you fall within. What has been your involvement in the process of EWR for the sub-catchment you fall within.
