Groundwater policy and law in South Africa and mainland Tanzania: a comparative study

Abstract

Groundwater is a truly hidden resource that millions of lives depend on for survival. The importance of this resource cannot be accentuated enough, yet for generations it has been abused and misused. Groundwater forms an integral part of the hydrological cycle and, therefore, holistic management, conservation, protection and efficient use is of paramount importance. In the past, regulation of this resource at international, regional and national level was minimal. Little progress has been made to accommodate groundwater in international and regional legal instruments.