Master Plan

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Authority shall prepare and submit to the Minister for approval a draft National Water Resources Master Plan for Belize that reflects the water policy of the Government of Belize. (2) For the purpose of preparing the draft Master Plan, the (a) collect from any source data and information relating to the use and quality of water resources, and to water resources generally; (b) consult with, and obtain data and information relating to water resources from, such person or organization including the holding of public consultations as the Authority deems appropriate or from any agency or department of Government or local authority; National Integrated 21 (c) undertake such studies and investigations and carry on such other activities as may be necessary or relevant to the preparation of the (3) In preparing the draft Master Plan the Authority shall take such steps as are practicable to co-ordinate the Master Plan with the plans of any department or agency of Government for national or regional, economic and physical development and shall have regard to any plans relating to the development of water resources by any Non-Governmental Organisations. (4) The Authority shall ensure that the draft Master Plan, (a) identifies objectives for the development, conservation and use of the water resources of Belize, taking into account all relevant considerations including the desirability of economic efficiency, the protection of the health, safety and welfare of persons, the promotion of a sustainable utilization of water resources and the protection and the enhancement of environmental values; (b) identifies, describes and inventories in relation to Belize, (i) the occurrence, quantity, availability and quality of water; (ii) the current uses of water; and (iii) the activities which are dependent on, affected by, or related to water and its uses; National Integrated 22 (c) identifies and describes in relation to Belize, the projected needs for and recommends the projects, programmes and other steps which, in view of such needs, should be undertaken in respect of the development of water resources and the control, abstraction and storage of water and the supply, distribution, drainage and disposal thereof; (d) having regard to the current and projected needs for water identified pursuant to paragraph (c) and the projects, programmes and other steps recommended under the paragraph, indicate the objectives in relation to water quality and quantity whether in respect of Belize generally or in respect of regions thereof, and the programmes designed to achieve those objectives; (e) indicates and evaluates the ways in which all projects and programmes proposed in the draft Master Plan in respect of the Current and projected use of water will achieve the objectives identified pursuant to paragraph (a); (f) contains strategies for, (i) cost analysis and budgeting; (ii) plan of action and timeframe; (iii) prioritizing and implementation; National Integrated 23 (iv) any other component which the Minister may by administrative instrument specify. (5) Where the Minister is satisfied with the draft Master Plan, the Minister shall, (a) by notice published in the Gazette, and in at least one newspaper of general circulation in Belize, (i) declare his approval of the Master Plan; (ii) specify the date on which the Master Plan shall take effect; (iii) state the availability of the Master Plan at the address of the Authority, for the public inspection on payment of the prescribed fee; (b) cause the approved Master Plan to be available to departments and agencies of the Government, local authorities, and other persons which in the opinion of the Minister, may be affected by the Master Plan. (6) Not more than three (3) years after the adoption of the Plan or any subsequent revision thereof, the Authority shall cause to be prepared and shall submit to the Minister for approval periodic revisions of the whole or any part of the Master Plan which is for the time being in effect pursuant to this section; and for the purposes of such revision, the Authority and the Minister shall have the like functions as are exercisable under this section in relation to the draft Master Plan. National Integrated 24