Regulatory framework
The idea was that the powers and obligations of the water boards would end up being assumed by the regional governing bodies, especially the District Council and the District Administration. In practice, however, regional administrative bodies have not yet completed water-related tasks for several reasons. The urgent need of the agricultural sector in particular to achieve effective water management was one of the reasons that promoted the idea of water boards once again taking charge of water management in eligible areas. Reforms were made to this law in 2005 for this purpose.
It establishes the framework for the operation of the oldest forms of local government in Suriname, namely the water boards. This law regulates the creation and administration of water boards as well as the powers of the board, the obligations of interested parties, the possibility of administrative enforcement, the supervision of water boards and the possibilities of appeal against decisions adopted by board. Reforms were made to this law in 2005.
This plan addresses the issue of water from human consumption and the problems that the country has in meeting this need. It is mentioned that they are seeking to approve 4 new laws to improve the situation.
Institutional Framework
Manages all natural resources, including energy, mining and water. Supervises SWM activities. It is also responsible for technical training and the design and maintenance of water supply projects.
SWM depends on the Ministry of Natural Resources. It is responsible for supplying drinking water to the population:
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Pumps raw water.
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Produces drinking water.
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Distributes water to the population.
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Promotes the optimal use, management and protection of water resources. It is the country's main agency that collects and publishes hydrological, hydraulic and water quality data and information and conducts research. Makes recommendations to the Government.
Make observations about the weather. Maintains a national meteorological data bank. Participate in the international meteorological network. Prepare weather forecasts based on national and international information. Performs special measurements for the benefit of research projects.
It is in charge of agricultural, livestock, fishing and aquaculture policy. Monitors the correct use of land and water for the agricultural sector. Produces research and information in the land use and agriculture sectors. Regulates the production, storage, processing and marketing of products. Establishes quality standards and exercises quality control. Regulates the effective management of national fishing capacities.
Responsible for general land policy, including the implementation of forest and protected area management, the ministry is legally the institute in charge of formulating national spatial planning policy.
Coordinates and generates territorial planning for regional development and regional administration. Supports agricultural development in the interior. Supports the sustainable development of the indigenous and Afro-Surinamese population. It includes support for the supply of drinking water and sanitation in the interior.
In charge of health policy. Controls the quality of water for drinking uses (nets and bottles). In charge of the treatments of people affected by water-related diseases. Awareness and communication about water, sanitation and hygiene.
It is responsible for hydrography and channel management: depth measurements, chart preparation and tidal measurement.
As an autonomous government foundation, executive entity of the National Environmental Council:
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It begins the development of a national, legal and institutional framework for environmental policy and management for sustainable development.
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Prepares and implements the legal framework related to the environment.
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Coordinates and supervises public policies.
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Education and research:
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Facilitator of the Suriname Water Resources Information System (SWRIS).
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Focal point of the BIO-PLATEAUX project in this country.
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As a scientific institute, CELOS offers multidisciplinary research training and services in the agricultural and forestry sector for the development of Suriname. Service to other users of spatial data. Knowledge transfer.
Management of Wakay pumps and cleaning of the Corentyne canal - Reestablishment of district water boards in rice-growing areas.
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The average annual rainfall in Suriname is 2 331 mm or 382 km3 /year over the country's territory. Water resources are abundant. The internal renewable water resources (IRWR) are approximately 99 km3 /year, which is equal to the flows of the internal rivers and approximately 50 percent of the flows of each of the rivers bordering Guyana and the river bordering French Guiana. In 2006, total water withdrawal was estimated at 615.9 million m3, of which 70 percent was for agricultural purposes, 8 percent for municipal purposes, and 22 percent for industrial purposes.Surface water is used for agricultural and industrial purposes. Urban, rural, and coastal areas use groundwater for their water supply because of its higher quality, but saltwater intrusion into wells due to overpumping is increasing.
Suriname
Most inland rural areas use rainwater harvesting or surface water for their water supply.The main irrigation technique is surface irrigation. Of the total irrigated area of 2,000 ha of bananas,1 100 ha use sprinkler irrigation systems. The other 900 ha use surface systems. Irrigation for bananas varies, depending on the climate. Much less irrigation is used in areas where rainfall is more uniform and distributed.
Links of interest: