Natural resources: What to look out for in 2022

[{“type”:”text”,”content”:”#### WaternnConcerns about water availability and water quality will remain at the forefront of the agricultural sectoru2019s concerns during 2022.nnIn addition, the following specific risks are at the forefront of Agri SAu2019s planning and strategies for the year to come:n* The Constitutional Court appeal by the department of water and sanitation against the decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal that the sale and transfer of water use entitlements in accordance with the provisions of the national water act is not prohibited nor unlawful is anticipated to be heard by the Constitutional Court towards the middle of 2022. Uncertainty with respect to the transfer of water use entitlements for farmers will remain until this matter is finally decided. Agri SA will continue to support the litigation in this regard.n* The department of water and sanitation will embark on a revision of its existing raw water pricing strategy, including a revision of current capping of maximum permissible increases with respect to certain costs. It is anticipated that this may lead to significant increases in the price of water, particularly to irrigation scheme water users. Agri SA will participate in the proposed revision process in order to seek to prevent severe price increases for water.n* Current proposals for the transformation of irrigation boards to water user associations hold potentially significant implications for the agricultural sector, including significant social transformation requirements. Agri SA will comment on and participate in the negotiations and proposed statutory amendments to follow.n* The department of water and sanitation will continue with its initiative to create (and capitalise) a dedicated infrastructure unit within the department. The cost implications and funding sources for capitalising such a unit that does not adversely impact the interests of the agricultural sector, are uncertain.”,”position”:0,”id”:”RJjlSdpE0j4wCO07″}]