Ghana Act or statute

Parliament of Ghana

Water Resources Commission Act, 1996 (Act 522)

administrative investigationallowancesappointmentappointmentsauditboard/commission compositioncommission fundingcommittee administrationcompensationcompliancecontractscost recoverydelegation of appointment powerdemolition of worksdomestic water useeasementsemergency declarationenforcement noticesenvironmental complianceexecutive appointmentsfinancial reportingfinancial yeargovernancegovernment administrationgovernment oversightinspection powersmeeting procedureoffences and penaltiesoffice tenurepermit approvalspermitspermits and licensingpollution controlproperty managementprotected areaspublic administrationpublic purpose water resourcespublic sector employmentquorumrecord keepingregulatory applicationsregulatory compensationregulatory complianceregulatory enforcementregulatory notificationremovalreportingresignationresource allocationresource regulationresource usescheme chargesstaffingstatutory bodiesvacancy fillingvotingwater pollutionwater resource developmentwater resource protectionwater resourceswater resources compliancewater rightswater rights terminationwater supplywater use regulationwayleavesworksite compliance

Jurisdiction: Ghana
Structure: 38 provisions
Citation: Act 522
Dates: Undated source snapshot

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Purpose and legislative effect

“This section creates the Water Resources Commission and lets it operate as a body corporate.”

This section creates the Water Resources Commission and lets it operate as a body corporate. The Commission is responsible for managing water resources and must carry out listed functions, including planning, regulating activities, granting water rights, handling water data, and advising government and agencies. The Commission must include specified members, and the President appoints the members in consultation with the Council of State. Non-ex officio Commission members serve three years, may be re-appointed, may resign by written notice to the President, and can cease to be members after three unexplained consecutive absences. The President may remove a member in writing for stated reasons. If a non-ex officio Commission member is unable to perform duties for over 12 months, the President may appoint another person, after consulting the appropriate institution, to act until the member returns.

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Establishment of Water Resources Commission

This section creates the Water Resources Commission and lets it operate as a body corporate.

Section 1

Other Staff of the Commission

The President must appoint the officers the Commission needs, acting on the Commission’s advice and in consultation with the Public Services Commission. Other public officers may also be transferred, seconded, or otherwise assist the Commission.

Section 10

Termination or Limitation of right where Water is required for Public Purpose

If the Commission is satisfied that water is needed for a public purpose, it may give written notice and terminate or limit a water right.

Section 20

Power to Inspect Works, etc

The Commission may inspect works and water use, order dangerous works to be demolished or changed, and suspend water rights; no one may obstruct the Commission.

Section 29

Repeal.

This section repeals Parts III of the Rivers Ordinance (Cap 226).

Section 38

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Showing 38 of 38 provisions

Provision 33Offence 3InterpretationRepeal

§ 1Establishment of Water Resources CommissionProvision

This section creates the Water Resources Commission and lets it operate as a body corporate.

Section 1—Establishment of Water Resources Commission. (1) There is established by this Act a Water Resources Commission referred to in this Act as “the Commission”. (2) The Commission shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal and may sue and be sued in its corporate name. (3) The Commission may for and in connection with the discharge of its functions purchase, hold, manage or dispose of any movable or immovable property and may enter into such contracts and transactions as may be reasonably related to its functions.

Section 1Verify source

§ 2Functions of the Commission. PART II—COMPOSITION OF COMMISSION AND RELATED PROVISIONSProvision

The Commission is responsible for managing water resources and must carry out listed functions, including planning, regulating activities, granting water rights, handling water data, and advising government and agencies.

Section 2—Functions of the Commission. (1) The Commission shall be responsible for the regulation and management of the utilisation of water resources, and for the co-ordination of any policy in relation to them. (2) Without prejudice to subsection (1) of this section, the Commission shall— (a) propose comprehensive plans for the utilisation, conservation, development and improvement of water resources; 4 (b) initiate, control and co-ordinate activities connected with the development and utilisation of water resources; (c) grant water rights; (d) collect, collate, store and disseminate data or information on water resources in Ghana; (e) require water user agencies to undertake scientific investigations, experiments or research into water resources in Ghana; (f) monitor and evaluate programmes for the operation and maintenance of water resources; (g) advise the Government on any matter likely to have adverse effect on the water resources of Ghana; (h) advise pollution control agencies in Ghana on matters concerning the management and control of pollution of water resources; and (i) perform such other functions as are incidental to the foregoing. PART II—COMPOSITION OF COMMISSION AND RELATED PROVISIONS

Section 2Verify source

§ 3Composition of the CommissionProvision

The Commission must include specified members, and the President appoints the members in consultation with the Council of State.

Section 3—Composition of the Commission. (1) The Commission shall consist of— (a) a Chairman who shall not be a Minister or a Deputy Minister; (b) one person representing each of the following— (i) the Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation; (ii) Organisations producing potable water; (iii) the Hydrology Department of the Ministry of Works and Housing; (iv) the Volta River Authority; (v) the Irrigation Development Authority (vi) the Water Resources Research Institute; (vii) the Meteorological Service; (viii) the Environmental Protection Agency; (ix) the Forestry Commission; and (x) the Minerals Commission; (c) the Executive Secretary appointed under section 9 of this Act; (d) a chief; and (e) two other persons at least one of whom shall be a woman (2) The members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President acting in consultation with the Council of State. 5

Section 3Verify source

§ 4Tenure of Office of MembersProvision

Non-ex officio Commission members serve three years, may be re-appointed, may resign by written notice to the President, and can cease to be members after three unexplained consecutive absences. The President may remove a member in writing for stated reasons.

Section 4—Tenure of Office of Members. (1) A member of the Commission other than an ex-officio member shall hold office for a period of three years and shall be eligible on the expiration of his term of office for re-appointment. (2) A member of the Commission other than an ex-officio member may at any time by notice in writing to the President resign his office. (3) A member who is absent from three consecutive meetings of the Commission without sufficient cause shall cease to be a member. (4) The President may in writing remove a member for stated reasons.

Section 4Verify source

§ 5Filling of VacanciesProvision

If a non-ex officio Commission member is unable to perform duties for over 12 months, the President may appoint another person, after consulting the appropriate institution, to act until the member returns.

Section 5—Filling of Vacancies. (1) When a member of the Commission other than an ex-officio member is incapacitated by illness or any other cause from performing the functions of his office for more than twelve months, the President may acting in consultation with the appropriate institution appoint another person to perform the functions of the member until the member is able to resume the performance of his duties. (2) Where a person is appointed to fill a vacancy he shall hold office for the remainder of the term of the previous member and shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be eligible for re- appointment.

Section 5Verify source

§ 6Meetings of CommissionProvision

The Commission must meet at least once every three months, with meeting times and places set by the Chairman. The Chairman presides, there is a seven-member quorum, the Commission may co-opt attendees, and co-opted persons may not vote.

Section 6—Meetings of Commission. (1) The Commission shall ordinarily meet for the dispatch of business at such times and at such places as the Chairman may determine, but shall meet at least once every three months. (2) The Chairman may, at the request in writing of not less than one-third of the members of the Commission, convene a special meeting of the Commission. (3) At every meeting of the Commission the Chairman shall preside and in his absence a member elected by the members present from among their number shall preside. (4) The quorum at a meeting of the Commission shall be seven members. (5) The Commission may co-opt any person to attend any of its meetings except that no co- opted person shall vote at the meeting. (6) Questions proposed at meetings of the Commission shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting and where the votes are equal the Chairman or the member presiding shall have a casting vote. (7) No act or proceeding of the Commission shall be invalidated by a vacancy among its members or a defect in the appointment or qualification of a member. (8) Subject to the provisions of this section, the commission shall regulate the procedure for its meetings.

Section 6Verify source

§ 7Commission to Appoint CommitteesProvision

The Commission may appoint committees and give them functions, but a committee made entirely of non-members may only advise the Commission.

Section 7—Commission to Appoint Committees. The Commission may for the discharge of its functions appoint committees comprising members, or non-members or both and may assign to them such functions as the Commission 6 may determine except that a committee composed entirely of non-members may only advise the Commission.

Section 7Verify source

§ 8Allowances for Members of the Commission and CommitteesProvision

Members of the Commission and committees appointed by the Commission are to be paid allowances determined by the Minister responsible for Finance.

Section 8—Allowances for Members of the Commission and Committees. Members of the Commission and members of committees appointed by the Commission shall be paid such allowances as may be determined by the Minister responsible for Finance.

Section 8Verify source

§ 9Executive Secretary to the CommissionProvision

The President appoints the Executive Secretary, and the Executive Secretary manages the Commission’s day-to-day administration and records its business and minutes.

Section 9—Executive Secretary to the Commission. (1) The President acting in accordance with the advice of the Commission given in consultation with the Public Services Commission shall appoint an officer to be designated the Executive Secretary to the Commission. (2) The Executive Secretary shall under the general supervision and direction of the Commission, be responsible for the day to day management and administration of the Commission. (3) The Executive Secretary shall be the secretary to the Commission and shall in consultation with the Chairman arrange the business and cause to be recorded and kept minutes of the Commission. (4) The Executive Secretary shall perform such other functions as the Commission may assign to him.

Section 9Verify source

§ 10Other Staff of the CommissionProvision

Section 10—Other Staff of the Commission. (1) There shall be appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Commission given in consultation with the Public Services Commission, such officers as the Commission may require for the effective discharge of its functions under this Act. (2) Other public officers may be transferred or seconded to the Commission or may otherwise give assistance to the Commission.

Section 10Verify source

§ 11Delegation of Power of Appointment. PART III—REGULATION OF USE OF WATER RESOURCESProvision

The President may delegate his power of appointment, in writing, to the Commission, a member of the Commission, or any public officer, subject to conditions he thinks fit.

Section 11—Delegation of Power of Appointment. The President may subject to such conditions as he may think fit, delegate his power of appointment under sections 9 (1) and 10 (1) by directions in writing to the Commission or to a member of the Commission or to any public officer. PART III—REGULATION OF USE OF WATER RESOURCES

Section 11Verify source

§ 12Public Water Vested in PresidentProvision

The President holds the property and control of all water resources in trust for the people of Ghana.

Section 12—Public Water Vested in President. The property in and control of all water resources is vested in the President on behalf of, and in trust for the people of Ghana.

Section 12Verify source

§ 13Prohibition of use of Water without AuthorityProvision

A person must not divert, dam, store, abstract, or use water resources, or build or maintain works for that use, unless it is in line with the Act. Fire-fighting use is excepted.

Section 13—Prohibition of use of Water without Authority. (1) No person shall— (a) divert, dam, store, abstract or use water resources; or (b) construct or maintain any works for the use of water resources except in accordance with the provisions of this Act. 7 (2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall prevent the use of water resources for the purpose of fighting fires.

Section 13Verify source

§ 14Use of Water Resources for Domestic PurposesProvision

A person with lawful access to water resources may abstract and use the water for domestic purposes, but this does not authorise construction or works to abstract water resources.

Section 14—Use of Water Resources for Domestic Purposes. (1) A person who has lawful access to water resources may abstract and use such water for domestic purposes. (2) Nothing in subsection (1) shall authorise the construction or any works for the purpose of abstracting water resources.

Section 14Verify source

§ 15Enforcement NoticeOffence

The Commission may issue an enforcement notice to a water user when water use poses a serious threat to the environment or public health, and the user must follow the notice.

Section 15—Enforcement Notice. (1) Where it appears to the Commission that the use of water resources for any purpose at any place poses a serious threat to the environment or to public health, the Commission may serve on the user of the water resources, an enforcement notice requiring him to take such steps as the Commission thinks necessary to prevent or stop the activities. (2) An enforcement notice shall specify— (a) the offending activity; (b) the steps required to be taken; and (c) the time within which the steps shall be taken. (3) The Commission may in an enforcement notice direct the immediate cessation of the offending activity where it considers that the circumstances so demand. (4) Any person who acts contrary to an enforcement notice issued under this section commits an offence and is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of not less than ¢200,000.00 or exceeding 2 million cedis and in default to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both; and in the case of a continuing offence to a further fine not exceeding ¢100,000.00 for each day that the offence continues after conviction.

Section 15Verify source

§ 16Grant of Water RightProvision

A person may apply in writing for a water right, and the Commission must investigate, publish notice, consider objections, and decide whether to grant it.

Section 16—Grant of Water Right. (1) Any person may apply to the Commission in writing for the grant of water right. (2) The Commission shall on receipt of an application make such investigations as it considers necessary including consultations with the inhabitants of the area of the water resources concerned. (3) The Commission shall publish in the Gazette notice of an application and the area in respect of which the application is made. (4) A person who claims that his interest will be affected by the grant of water right may notify the Commission within three months of the notice in the Gazette of his objection to the grant of the water right and shall specify the grounds of the objection. (5) The Commission shall consider the objections made in respect of it and shall after consultation with such persons and authorities as it may consider necessary, determine whether the water right shall be granted. 8 (6) Where the Commission is satisfied that the water right shall be granted, it shall so grant the right. (7) The Commission may grant water right subject to such conditions as shall be specified in the document for the grant. (8) A grant of water right shall be subject to ratification by Parliament. (9) Parliament may by resolution supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the members of Parliament exempt from the provisions of subsection (8) of this section such class of water right as it shall so resolve.

Section 16Verify source

§ 17Prohibition of Transfer of Water RightProvision

A water right granted under this Act cannot be transferred unless the Commission gives written approval.

Section 17—Prohibition of Transfer of Water Right. No water right granted under this Act shall be transferred without the written approval of the Commission.

Section 17Verify source

§ 18Creation of Statutory Wayleaves and EasementProvision

If a water right is granted to a statutory corporation or other public body that benefits the public, the Lands (Statutory Wayleaves) Act, 1963 applies to create any needed right of way or similar right for the related works.

Section 18—Creation of Statutory Wayleaves and Easement. Where the grant of any water right is to a statutory corporation or any other public body whose use of the water right ensures to the benefit of the public, the provisions of the Lands (Statutory Wayleaves) Act, 1963 (Act 186) shall apply for the creation of any right of way or other similar right for the purpose of enabling the works related to the water rights to be implemented.

Section 18Verify source

§ 19Suspension or Variation of Water RightProvision

The Commission may suspend or vary a water right, by written notice, if water in an area is insufficient or likely to become insufficient because of the grant.

Section 19—Suspension or Variation of Water Right. (1) Where water right has been granted and the Commission is of the opinion that the water resource in any area is insufficient or is likely to become insufficient as a result of the grant, it may by notice in writing to the holder of the water right in that area, suspend or vary any right to abstract or use the water resource in that area, for such period as the Commission considers necessary. (2) Where a notice has been issued under subsection (1) the water right shall cease for the period of the suspension or shall be exercisable only as so varied.

Section 19Verify source

§ 20Termination or Limitation of right where Water is required for Public PurposeProvision

If the Commission is satisfied that water is needed for a public purpose, it may give written notice and terminate or limit a water right.

Section 20—Termination or Limitation of right where Water is required for Public Purpose. (1) Subject to section 21 where the Commission is satisfied that water resources are required for a public purpose it may by notice in writing addressed to the holder of a water right, terminate or limit that right on the grounds that the water is required for public purpose, and the right shall cease or shall be exercisable only as so limited. (2) A declaration in writing by the Commission that water resources are required for a public purpose shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.

Section 20Verify source

§ 21Compensation on Suspension or Cancellation of Water RightProvision

A water-right holder is entitled to reasonable compensation for loss caused by termination or limitation of the right, and the court decides the amount if there is no agreement.

Section 21—Compensation on Suspension or Cancellation of Water Right. The holder of a water right shall be entitled to receive such compensation as may be reasonable in the circumstances in respect of the loss resulting from the termination or limitation of the right he holds and in the absence of the agreement the court shall determine the amount of such compensation.

Section 21Verify source

§ 22Compensation on Suspension or Cancellation of Water RightProvision

If the water-right holder breaches a grant condition or uses water for an unauthorised purpose, the Commission may require the holder to fix the default and may terminate the water right if it is not fixed in time.

Section 22—Water Right to be Terminated for Breach of Condition. 9 (1) Where the holder of the water right— (a) fails to comply with any condition of the grant express or implied or; (b) has abstracted or used water resources for a purpose not authorised by the grant, the Commission may by notice in writing addressed to the holder require him to remedy the default within such period as shall be specified in the notice. (2) If the holder fails or neglects to remedy the default within the period specified the Commission may terminate the water right and inform the holder accordingly in writing.

Section 22Verify source

§ 23Termination or Limitation for Non-UseProvision

If the Commission believes a water right has not been fully used for the previous two years, it may end it or limit/modify it after hearing the holder.

Section 23—Termination or Limitation for Non-Use. Where at any time the Commission has reason to believe that the holder of water right has not, during the preceding two years, made full beneficial use of that right, it may after giving the holder of the right opportunity of making representations to the Commission, by notice in writing addressed to the holder and having regard to the investment in capital works and the long term national interest involved in the undertaking concerned— (a) terminate the right; or (b) limit or modify in such respects as it may specify the right.

Section 23Verify source

§ 24Pollution of Water. 2 PART IV—FINANCIAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONOffence

A person must not interfere with or pollute water resources unless allowed by the Act or approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Section 24—Pollution of Water. (1) A person who, except in accordance with the provisions of this Act or with the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency— (a) interferes with or alters the flow of; or (b) pollutes or fouls any water resource beyond such level as the Environmental Protection Agency may prescribe, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding ¢5 million or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or to both. PART IV—FINANCIAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISION

Section 24Verify source

§ 25Funds of CommissionProvision

The Commission’s funds include government subvention, loans, monies earned while carrying out its functions, gifts, and money from any other source.

Section 25—Funds of Commission. The funds of the Commission shall include— (a) Government subvention; (b) any loans granted to the Commission; (c) any monies accruing to the Commission in the course of the performance of its functions under this Act or any other enactment; (d) gifts; and (e) monies from any other source.

Section 25Verify source

§ 26Accounts and AuditProvision

The Commission must keep proper accounts and records, have them in a form approved by the Auditor-General, and arrange annual audits within three months after the end of the previous financial year.

Section 26—Accounts and Audit. (1) The Commission shall keep books of account and proper records in relation to them and the account books and records of the Commission shall be in a form approved by the Auditor- General. 10 (2) The books and accounts of the Commission shall be audited annually by the Auditor- General or an auditor appointed by him within three months of the end of the immediately preceding financial year. (3) The financial year of the Commission shall be the same as the financial year of the Government.

Section 26Verify source

§ 27Annual ReportProvision

The Commission must submit an annual report to the Minister after each financial year, and the Minister must then lay it before Parliament within two months of receiving it.

Section 27—Annual Report. (1) The Commission shall, as soon as possible after the expiration of each financial year but within six months after the termination of the year, submit to the Minister an annual report dealing generally with the activities and the operations of the Commission within that year which shall include— (a) a copy of the audited accounts of the Commission together with the Auditor-General's report on it; and (b) such other information as the Minister may require. (2) The Minister shall within two months after receiving the annual report of the Commission submit the report to Parliament with such statement as he may consider necessary.

Section 27Verify source

§ 28Power to Obtain InformationProvision

The Commission may request information from a person, and the person must comply, subject to any other law.

Section 28—Power to Obtain Information. The Commission may for the proper and efficient performance of its functions request information from a person who shall, subject to any other law, comply with the request.

Section 28Verify source

§ 29Power to Inspect Works, etcProvision

The Commission may inspect works and water use, order dangerous works to be demolished or changed, and suspend water rights; no one may obstruct the Commission.

Section 29—Power to Inspect Works, Etc. (1) The Commission may in consultation with the relevant District Assembly at any reasonable time enter upon any land to inspect works constructed or under construction there and may ascertain or cause to be ascertained the amount of water abstracted or capable of being abstracted by means of the works. (2) No person shall obstruct the Commission in the performance of its functions under subsection (1) of this section. (3) If in the opinion of the Commission any works have been constructed, maintained or used or is being so constructed as to constitute a danger to life, health, property or damage to the natural resources of the area, it may require a person for the time being enjoying the benefit of those works to demolish or to change the use of the works in such manner as the Commission considers necessary. (4) For the purpose of this section the Commission may by note in writing suspend any water right until it is satisfied that such requirements have been fulfilled.

Section 29Verify source

§ 30Power to Require Demolition of Unlawful WorksProvision

The Commission may order a person to modify, demolish, or destroy unlawful works by written notice.

Section 30—Power to Require Demolition of Unlawful Works. (1) The Commission may on the advice of a District Assembly by notice in writing require a person— (a) who has constructed or extended, or caused to be constructed or extended any works contrary to any conditions under which the person was required or authorised to effect the construction or extension; or 11 (b) whose water right in respect of which any works in existence have been terminated under the provisions of this Act or has otherwise come to an end, to modify, demolish or destroy the works within such period not being less than thirty days, as may be specified in the notice. (2) Where a person fails to comply with a notice served on him under subsection (1), the Commission may cause the works to be modified, demolished or destroyed and recover the cost of the modification, demolition or destruction from the person in default by civil suit.

Section 30Verify source

§ 31Minister to Declare Controlled AreaProvision

The Minister may declare an area, or part of it, to be a protected catchment area if special measures are needed to protect water resources.

Section 31—Minister to Declare Controlled Area. Where the Minister is satisfied that special measures are necessary for the protection of water resources in or derived from any area, he may executive instrument declare that area or any part of that area, to be a protected catchment area.

Section 31Verify source

§ 32Schemes for Development of Water Resources in Protected AreasProvision

The Commission may set up and manage a development scheme for water resources in a protected catchment area, adjust or end existing water rights for that purpose, and the holder may receive compensation for loss. The Minister may also impose prescribed charges on beneficiaries to cover scheme costs.

Section 32—Schemes for Development of Water Resources in Protected Areas. (1) Where an area has been declared a protected catchment area the Commission may in consultation with the National Development Planning Commission and the District Assembly of the protected catchment area, establish a comprehensive scheme for the development of the water resources of that area. (2) For the purpose of establishing a comprehensive scheme, the Commission may, after giving the holder an opportunity for making representations in respect of any subsisting right within the area— (a) declare the right terminated; (b) declare the right limited or modified in such respect as may be specified by the Commission; or (c) grant the holder a new water right upon such terms and conditions as it considers fit; except that the holder shall be entitled to receive compensation in respect of any loss resulting from the termination or limitation of the right. (3) The Commission may cause to be constructed and maintained such works as may be expedient for the better protection of land and water resources within a protected catchment area. (4) The Minister on the recommendations of the Commission and with the approval of Cabinet may levy such charges as may be prescribed upon the beneficiaries of any comprehensive scheme within a protected catchment area in order to defray expenses of the construction or maintenance of such works or both.

Section 32Verify source

§ 33Declaration of Water EmergencyProvision

The Minister may declare a water emergency, after consulting the District Assembly, when drought, an accident, or other unforeseen circumstances cause or threaten a serious shortage of water for essential domestic use.

Section 33—Declaration of Water Emergency. (1) Where the Minister, after consultation with the District Assembly of any area, is satisfied that because of drought or because of an accident or any unforeseen circumstances, a serious deficiency of water for essential domestic purposes exists or is threatened in any area, he may by notice in the Gazette declare that a water emergency exists in the area concerned. 12 (2) The Minister may after a declaration of water emergency, permit any person who has supply of water in excess of his domestic purposes to supply water to the area affected or to any other person, for such period as he shall specify from the excess quantity of water.

Section 33Verify source

§ 34Penalty for OffencesOffence

A person commits an offence if they interfere with water resources, ignore certain requests or directives, or obstruct the Commission, and on conviction may be fined up to ¢2 million, imprisoned for up to 3 years, or both.

Section 34—Penalty for Offences. A person who— (a) diverts, dams, stores, abstracts or uses water resources contrary to section 13 (1) (a); (b) constructs or maintains any works for the use of water resources contrary to section 13 (1) (b); (c) does not comply with a request made under section 29; (d) obstructs the Commission in the performance of its functions under section 30 (1); or (e) does not comply with the directives given by the Minister under section 33 (2) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding ¢2 million or 3 years imprisonment or to both.

Section 34Verify source

§ 35RegulationsProvision

The Commission may make regulations by legislative instrument for listed water-management purposes, and the instrument must be issued under the hand of the Chairman.

Section 35—Regulations. (1) The Commission may by legislative instrument make regulations— (a) for preserving existing uses of public water; (b) for controlling any change in the course, current or cross-current of any contained surface water in order to obtain the most beneficial use of the water; (c) relating to the declaration of water emergencies; (d) for regulating the use of contained water and ground water; (e) for the carrying out of investigations in respect of any function of the Commission; (f) for the protection of watersheds; (g) for the granting of permits to discharge waste into water bodies; (h) for prescribing the acceptable levels of pollution; (i) to regulate or prohibit the doing of any act by any person in a protected catchment area; (j) for the levying of charges under this Act; and (k) generally for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of this Act. (2) An instrument under subsection (1) of this section shall be issued under the hand of the Chairman of the Commission.

Section 35Verify source

§ 36Transitional ProvisionsProvision

A person claiming an existing right to access water must notify the Commission within 12 months of the Act starting. The Commission must then investigate and may take appropriate action if it is satisfied the right exists.

Section 36—Transitional Provisions. (1) Where a person claims an existing right of access to any water resource that person shall, within twelve months from the coming into force of this Act notify the Commission of that right. 13 (2) The Commission shall on receipt of the notification conduct such investigations as it considers necessary, and where it is satisfied that right exists in relation to the person it may take such action as it considers appropriate.

Section 36Verify source

§ 37InterpretationInterpretation

This section defines key terms used in the Act, including water-related terms, the Court, the Minister, and who counts as a holder or existing right.

Section 37—Interpretation. In this Act unless the context otherwise requires— "beneficial use" means the use of water including the method of diversion, storage, transportation and application of the water which is reasonable and consistent with the public interest, including domestic, energy, agricultural, commercial, industrial, municipal, navigational and recreational use; "contained water" means underground streams, water upon the surface of the earth in bounds created naturally or artificially and the sub-flow of the water; "Court" means the High Court; "existing right" means any right to water resources— (a) which on the coming into force of this Act has been lawfully acquired, is possessed by and is being beneficially used by any person; or (b) lawfully acquired by any person before the coming into force of this Act for the purpose of supplying water to the public; "holder" means a person who has been granted water right under this Act; "Minister" means the Minister responsible for Works and Housing; “protected catchment area" means any area declared by the Minister to be preserved for the protection of water resources in or derived from the area; works" includes any construction or activity for or related to use of water resources; “water resources" means all water flowing over the surface of the ground or contained in or flowing from any river, spring, stream or natural lake or part of a swamp or in or beneath a watercourse and all underground water but excluding any stagnant pan or swamp wholly contained within the boundaries of any private land.

Section 37Verify source

§ 38Repeal.Repeal

This section repeals Parts III of the Rivers Ordinance (Cap 226).

Section 38—Repeal. Parts III of the Rivers Ordinance (Cap 226) is hereby repealed. Date of Gazette Notification: 31st December, 1996.

Section 38Verify source

Legislative relationships

4 referenced instruments

Names are derived from the stored provision headings and citation-enrichment layer. Treat this as a research index and verify each relationship against the source text.

G–M

1 instrument

Lands (Statutory Wayleaves) Act, 1963
Section 18

N–S

1 instrument

Rivers Ordinance
Section 38

T–Z

2 instruments

Transfer of Water Right A water right granted under this Act
Section 17
Water Resources Commission. (1) There is established by this Act
Section 1

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