2013_14 IDP Review.pdf - KZN Development Planning

PressuresReduced runoff from forestry areas as a result of high rainwater retentioncapacity (water infiltrates and causes detachment of soil particles and thereforeresults to soil erosion)Reduced water quality (due to pollution)Increased runoffIncrease storm water peak flow intensity as well as increase in total annual stormwater runoff.Water scarcity (in areas dependent on groundwater)Groundwater pollution as a result of poorly managed industrial practicesGroundwater abstractionSiltation of wetlandsRiver pollution as a result of drainage of pit latrines into riversProposed Interventions:. Determine all the source points contributing to declining water quality and settarget objectives to minimize the impact on the health of this system. Bioaccumulation studies should be conducted on sediments, fish and birdshosted by the dam to derive benchmark values for contamination. Support the implementation of basic sanitation infrastructure projects Implementation of best practice environmentally sensitive storm watermanagement systems. Water utilization training initiative should be initiated to train the localcommunities on water utilization. Wetlands and its tributaries act as environmental sieves and sponges and itsvalue should be quantified. Set out research initiatives to locate all wetlandsystems in the district and do in depth biodiversity studies to determine theecological value of these areas Strict policy for protection of wetlands from development and rehabilitation ofdegraded wetlands to improve water quality, water flow regulation and habitatprovision at a regional scale. Ensure that all legal requirements in terms of environmental authorization andwater use licenses are enforced for all infrastructure in water courses Water reticulation still a major priority in the area and efforts to supply potablewater service to all communities should be a priority All new developments must consider their impact on regional water quality. Location of potentially polluting activities of infrastructure, especially wastedisposal sites and cemeteries and settlement areas, should carefully considergeohydrological conditions during site selection. Institute a long term monitoring program that allows specific identification ofwater pollution sources Regulate the utilization of ground water in the area as allowed for by the specificpermits adjudicated. Satellite technology can be applied to assess thegroundwater utilization status in agricultural practices. Develop contingency plans for periods of drought with emphasis on communitiesreliant on borehole waterDraft 2013/14 IDP Review Page 238Prepared by Umzinyathi District Municiplity22 March 2013