Water Use Licence Authorisation (WULA).

Water Use Licence Authorisation (WULA).

This is a legal requirement under the National Water Act of 1998, which aims to ensure the sustainable use of water resources in South Africa.

A WULA is necessary for any development that involves the use of water, whether it's for irrigation, industrial processes, or construction activities. Having a river in proximity to your property can also complicate matters, as there are additional regulations in place to protect these water sources.

The WULA application process can be a time-consuming one, involving a range of technical studies and assessments. Firstly, the applicant must determine the category of the proposed water use, as this will determine the level of assessment required. The applicant must then submit an application to the Department of Water and Sanitation, along with a range of supporting documents and technical reports.

The application will then be assessed by the Department, and various stakeholders such as local municipalities, environmental authorities, and community members may be consulted. The applicant may also be required to attend public meetings or hearings, depending on the level of public interest in the proposed development.

The WULA application process can take many months to complete, and delays can occur if the applicant fails to submit all the necessary information or if there are objections raised by stakeholders.

In addition to the WULA, developers must also consider the impact of their development on the surrounding environment, such as the potential for soil erosion, pollution of water sources, or destruction of wetlands. Developers must take steps to mitigate these impacts, such as implementing erosion control measures or installing stormwater management systems.

Recently,  there has been a growing focus on renewable energy in South Africa, and this has led to changes in the WULA application process. The Department of Water and Sanitation now requires developers of renewable energy projects, such as wind or solar farms, to include a water use and impact assessment in their application.

Obtaining a WULA is an important part of the property development process in South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal where the presence of rivers are abundant. Property Developers must ensure that they understand the requirements and regulations involved in the application process, and take steps to mitigate the impact of their development on the surrounding environment.

The inclusion of renewable energy in the WULA application process reflects the growing importance of sustainability and environmental considerations. Consult with a qualified and experienced environmentalist who will guide you through the WULA process and ensure there are no un-necessary delays which can place major strain on your development feasibility.