Commission 1

Our understanding of the Planning commission External commissioners – highly respected strategic thinkers Pulling all dilemas with regards to planning together and co-ordinate strategic direction for resources, Awareness raising about the water sector Strengthening capacity for planning within govt at all levels Provide national strategic perspective on where growth and development need to be directed Alignment and cohesion in terms of making key infrastructure decisions and development initiatives Adaptable plan envisaged to cater for all inputs and contributions from all sectors

Key issues Intergovernmental planning is critical– water cuts across many sectors Need for all sector departments to ensure that we speak with one voice Consider existing corridors of information within government Munimecs Cluster system Intergovernmental committees Need for planning co-ordination within DWA itself between the various programmes and directorates to ensure synergy and co- herence What kind of decisions will be taken and what impact will these have on the water sector

Implications for the Sector Finalisation of the WFGD strategy as a framework for planning around water at both provincial and national level Creating a balance between the social and economic value of water Inclusion of vulnerable groups through WFGD framework needs to be incorporated Investigate the Global factors – Climate change The sector needs to re-look at their capacity for planning and critically evaluate what gaps exists to respond well to the planning commission There is a need for a cross cutting planning tool that integrates plans from all Dept. Ensure water sector representation at the sub-committees

Key proposals - Representation Appointment of commissioner that understand water issues A representative or expert who is prepared to draw on the wider resources from the pool of experts Knowledge of the bigger sector wide mandate Should be mandated and by the positions from the WSLG supported by water sector The experts must be linked to the WSLG for proper feedback and reporting The term of office needs to be clearly defined Key investment decisions linked to water must be discussed with the water sector & and then aligned to the national planning framework

Positioning WFGD Sectorial co-ordination (WSLG) Use the WSLG for strategic discussion & submission to the planning commission Institutional re-alignment process needs to be finalised to complete & facilitate proper planning CMAs, WUAs The sector should get its act together even before the planning commission - finalise all strategies and to guide planning Use the planning commission as a platform for awareness raising about the water sector issues The sector needs to be active in writing papers to influence debate and positions in a manner that is understandable Improve communication of the sector agenda and programme

Challenges Ensuring that the plan is integrated and has buy-in from all Ensuring that all sectors and provinces consider that WFGD and mainstream water in their planning processes The national planning framework does necessarily not indicate time frames How will gaps be addressed, will it be the commissioners responsibility or the sector to lead Channel to resolve barrier or challenge The approval of developments by environmental affairs through the EIA which does not always have a biase for water consideration The location of other resources which might need for water to be transported to site e.g coal Inability to harness water trough infrastructure and get key allocation right.