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Government dams, and also for water conservation purposes. Subterranean water control
areas are established in order to manage the abstraction and development of subterranean
water and of groundwater compartments, in the common interest. River control areas in
NatallKwaZulu include the Mhlatuze; Hluhluwe; Tugela; Pongola/Pongolapoort; Mgeni;
Bushmans; Mnyamvubu; Mdloti; White Mfolozi; Ngagane; Assegaai; Buffalo, and Slang
rivers. The only catchment control area in NatallKwaZulu is the Craigieburn Dam. There
are no subterranean water control areas in the province.
10.18.2 Government water schemes
Government water schemes are waterworks such as dams, canals, pipelines, tunnels,
pumping stations, purification works and related works, constructed separately or in
combination at State expense (in the general public interest) for the bulk supply of water.
While the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is legally responsible for many
Government waterworks, the operation of the works is increasingly being transferred to
water boards, the irrigation boards and other statutory bodies. A number of waterworks
have also been privatised. The three broad categories of Government water schemes are
firstly, Government irrigation schemes where the purpose is to supply water primarily (but
not exclusively) for irrigation requirements (none in NataI/KwaZulu); secondly, Government
water supply schemes to provide mainly raw water for urban and industrial needs (Table
J35) and thirdly, Government water purification schemes (none in NataI/KwaZulu). The
latter are for the supply of purified water in accordance with the relevant South African
Bureau of Standards potable specifications (see the chapter on water quality).
10.18.3 Government-assisted water schemes
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry administers subsidy and loan schemes for
the construction of water supply and sewage purification works, by local authorities and
statutory bodies (including waterworks constructed by irrigation boards). The Department
also provides technical and other professional assistance where necessary.