The role of capacity-sharing in South African water policy

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:A vast literature on the incompatibility of socio-economic development and environmental conservation (also referred toas sustainable development) has developed over the past few years. This study takes on the form of a critical, problemdrivendiscussion and evaluation of the applicability and viability of the concept of capacity-sharing to the current SouthAfrican water management regime. Within the study, the complexities involved in the shift from a supply- to demandorientedmanagement strategy are examined in depth. This transition in strategy proves to be problematic for waterpolicy makers and managers because of past management regimes and structures, measurement related problems,incorrect or insufficient definition of criteria needed for demand-oriented approaches and the emotional complexitiesregarding water use. Developments in water policy are currently at a point where problems are experienced regardingthe practical implementation of proposed water demand-oriented policy.The concept of capacity-sharing is explained and discussed in detail, leading to the identification of the applicability tothree of the most important problems (basic contradiction within the 1998 National Water Act, initial allocation for marketadoption and equity within the market) faced within the transition towards a demand-oriented approach.This study found that the concept of capacity-sharing does hold applicability in addressing the above-mentioned threeproblems towards the transition to a demand-side management approach. Capacity-sharing, therefore, should be part ofthis timely transition and the state should make use of the advantages of this concept. To support this view, sevenstudies are proposed for further research to address the problems as mentioned in section 5.2 of the thesis.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University