The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called for expression of interest for the development of tourism, or related activities on state land along dam shores.
In a notice published on the DWS website on 9 May, the department invites expressions of interest from private or public entities to obtain access rights to state dams and/or to enter into lease agreements over a period as determined by the department.
These access rights and/or lease agreements relate to the selection of proposals to develop recreational, sport, tourism, or related activities on DWS land and/or privately owned land adjacent to State dams.
According to the notice, DWS aims to make available all dams for recreational, sport, tourism, or related activities.
The department is the custodian of South Africa’s water resources and the mandate is to ensure that the resources are protected, used, developed, conserved, manage and controlled
that seeks to achieve sustainability, transformation and socio-economic development. Section 113 of the NWA stipulates that the water of a government waterworks and the surrounding
State-owned land may be made available for recreational purposes, either generally or for a specific purpose, on the conditions and to the persons determined by the Minister.
The Department owns 335 waterworks across the country.
“The primary goal of this initiative is to promote recreation, sport and tourism related to state dams. By inviting expressions of interest, the DWS aims to promote sustainable development and economic growth. This initiative presents a unique opportunity for private entities and government agencies to collaborate with the department in developing recreational and tourism facilities that can benefit both local communities and visitors and generate economic growth. Successful proposals have the potential to create job opportunities, stimulate local economies, and promote environmental conservation through responsible land use practices. The Expression of Interest issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation represents a strategic effort to unlock the potential of state dams for recreational and tourism development.”
According to the notice, entities of Government e.g. Municipalities and Provincial Government Departments will receive preference when applying to manage a Government Waterwork in terms of recreational, sport, tourism and related activities. In this regard, a Memorandum of Agreement will be concluded with the Government Entities and the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Some of the conditions include no permanent structures within the dam boundary line and within the 100 year flood line allowed. For some of the state-owned dams, approved Resource Management Plans are in place, and proposals will need to take account the Resource Management Plans.
The Department said an approved lease policy is in place which aims to facilitate the process in relation to the leasing of all State within a Government Waterwork under the control of the Minister of Water and Sanitation. The objective of the leasing policy is to promote equitable access to the Departmental immovable assets by promoting the following:
Promoting access to land and water for socio and economic development.
Expediting the processing of lease applications.
Ensure an open, fair, equitable, dignified and prompt process; and
Ensuring that a consistent approach towards leasing of State land as evaluated by a Professional Valuer or the Office of the Valuer-General at a market related rental and in accordance with the activities.
The Call for Expression of Interest EOI Notice No: DWS07-0524 WTE can be viewed on the DWS website and the closing day for bids is 31 July 2024. Interested parties are requested to submit their proposal/lease application along with a Concept Proposal and lease application, including the details of envisaged recreational/sport and/or tourism activities, qualifications and experience, of joint venture/ partnership to EOI@dws.gov.za.