The High Court in Pretoria has ordered the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry to restore the delivery of water to farmers in the Renoster River area, the TAU SA agricultural union said on Friday.Spokesman Tinus Taute said the court ordered the department to restore water to the Renoster River Water Users' Association (Koppies).
Koppies farmers approached the TAU after the scheme, under the auspices of the department, deteriorated over several years to such an extent that farmers could not extract their water but were still held responsible for the payment of water levies.
Members of the scheme were also members of TAU SA Free State region and the union eventually brought the case before the High Court.
"We are obviously delighted that the rights of the farmers were acknowledged and they believe that they can continue with their normal farming activities," Taute said.
"We are however, waiting to receive the judges' written ruling to evaluate all the implications of this court victory."
The Department could not be reached for comment late on Friday afternoon.
Source : Sapa /sb/ks
Date : 03 Jul 2009 16:35
