Plan (RMP) for Hartbeespoort Dam is nearing

Development of a Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Hartbeespoort Dam is nearing its final stages
19 May 2008
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) started a process with stakeholders to develop a Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Hartbeespoort Dam in November 2007. This process is now nearing completion. A few key meetings with stakeholders are to take place in the next month and the draft RMP will then be available for public comment from 26 June to 17 July 2008. This plan which is part of the Harties, Metsi a me biological remediation of Hartbeespoort Dam will guide the use and management of the Dam.
Mr Petrus Venter, Deputy Regional Director for Department of Water Affairs and Forestry at Hartbeespoort and Project Manager of Harties Metsi a me, said that stakeholder involvement is crucial in the development of this plan. Although DWAF is guiding the development of the RMP the onus is on stakeholders to take ownership of it and to take responsibility for the implementation of the plan.
Stakeholders involved in the development of the RMP contributed to the process by participating in their respective interest groups, namely government, land owners, resource managers and industry (commercial and recreational users).
The RMP process ahead includes a Technical Task Team meeting on 5 June 2008, where certain questions from industry and land owners will be addressed. The RMP will be handed over to the stakeholders, who are co-authors of this plan, on 26 June 2008. This will then also be the start of the public review period.
Issues, concerns or aspects for clarity can however be discussed with DWAF officials on 11 and 12 June 2008 where the opportunity is created for one-on-one discussions during an open day. On 24 July 2008, the final comments received will be discussed with the stakeholders in order to finalise the draft RMP for hand-over to the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry.
The draft RMP will be made available to the public at the start of the public review period at about 40 points around the dam, the relevant municipalities and DWAF offices, as well as the website (http://www.dwaf.gov.za/harties).
For more information on the RMP contact:Cilliers BlaauwTel: 082 802 0541
For information on Harties, Metsi a me contact:Petrus VenterCell: 082 807 6098
Information about the forthcoming meetings and the venues will be sent to stakeholders, but is also available on the DWAF website. The public is reminded that this is an open forum and anyone with an interest in Hartbeespoort Dam is welcome to attend.
Issued by: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry19 May 2008Source: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (http://www.dwaf.gov.za/)