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South Africa and Netherlands extend Blue Deal water partnership

Published

The Department of Water and Sanitation and the Dutch Water Authorities signed a declaration of intent in Cape Town on Thursday. The third phase of the partnership covers 2027 to 2030 and focuses on Catchment Management Agencies.

Water and Sanitation Director-General Sean Phillips gave the keynote address at the signing. He said the Blue Deal supports national water-sector priorities. Phillips said: "In South Africa, the Blue Deal supports national water-sector priorities, including the National Water Action Plan".

The Dutch side was represented by the Dutch Water Authorities, known in Dutch as the Unie van Waterschappen. Its president is Jeroen Haan. The Steering Committee endorsed the strategic direction for Phase III on 7 October 2026.

Key facts

Who
Sean Phillips (Water and Sanitation Director-General); Jeroen Haan (Dutch Water Authorities President); Department of Water and Sanitation (South African government department, signatory); Dutch Water Authorities (Dutch signatory (Unie van Waterschappen))
What
The Department of Water and Sanitation and the Dutch Water Authorities signed a declaration of intent on Thursday to continue the Blue Deal water management partnership into a third phase, with work focused on Catchment Management Agencies. Director-General Sean Phillips delivered the keynote address.
When
29 October 2026
Where
Cape Town, South Africa, Netherlands
Status
Reported

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