Water laws need urgent review � Paya

Speaking during a South East District Council session yesterday, Paya said that Section 6 of the Water Act allows property owners to construct works including dams and sinking a borehole without a water right. This is as long as the water is to be used for domestic purpose, including watering of livestock.

A water right is required only if the water is to be used for commercial purposes like irrigation or water supply.  “I want to hasten to point out that the ministry is currently reviewing all water related legislation and this section falls among those which shall be amended,” he assured the council. Paya said that the current legislation makes water planning difficult as the law empowers people to do what they want, while the ministry on the other side has to plan and manage it.