South Africa’s National Council of Provinces approved six important legislative acts on May 16, 2024, including the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill to overhaul the electrical industry and the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill to enhance national security measures. Other approved legislation includes the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency Bill, the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill, the Transport Appeal Tribunal Amendment Bill, and the Plant Health (Phytosanitary) Bill. These legislative changes aim to enhance the agricultural sector, protect the marine environment, restructure the transportation system, and improve the water supply.
Despite recent rain showers, the Western Cape Province’s water situation is still a cause for concern. The hydrological report of May 22, 2023, shows that the Province’s dams are at 61.31% capacity, which is only a slight increase from last week’s level of 60.76%. However, this figure is lower than the same period last year by 2%.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is an ambitious infrastructure project that aims to address the water needs of South Africa’s most populous province, Gauteng, by tapping into the water resources of neighboring Lesotho. ## Phase II: Construction and Progress
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has put forward draft regulations that outline guidelines for the recreational use of stateowned dams. Interested parties have until May 23, 2023, to submit their comments on the proposed regulations, providing a valuable chance for the public to have their say on the management and use of these resources.