KZN farmer coughs up R1.5m for building illegal dam
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KZN farmer has had to cough up R1.5 million for building a dam illegally for
his business in Estcourt.
The Department of Water and Sanitation says as part of a mediation agreement the farmer will pay the administrative fee and apply for a Water Use Authorisation licence.
The department says Nigel Blaker, who owns South Downs and Portion 1 Winchester farms, was found to have gone beyond the boundary when he constructed an illegal dam without authorisation.
Officials, carrying out inspections in 2018, then asked the farmer to demolish the dam.
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A criminal case was later opened against him.
Officials say last week, Blaker paid the department an administrative fee of R1.5 million after both parties agreed to enter into a mediation.
