The Operations Department is responsible for ensuring the efficient supply of water to the Member States through:

• Developing and implementing ISOTOG operational procedures;
• Developing and implementing water accounting procedures; and
• Developing and implementing maintenance programmes for water infrastructure.

In addition, the Department provides Member States with reliable and accurate information and guidance to promote the efficient use of water resources. It also advises the Parties on measures required to minimise negative impacts on the aquatic environment, including environmental flow requirements, water quality management, and biomonitoring programmes.

The Operations Department consists of three units: the Systems Operations Unit, Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance Unit, Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management and Environmental Unit. In addition, the Department performs critical emergency preparedness and risk management functions to ensure the resilience of water resource systems and communities.

Systems Operations Unit

The Systems Operations Unit is responsible for ensuring the timely and sustainable delivery of water to the Parties by:

• Assessing the hydrology of the Komati Basin to determine water availability;
• Developing and implementing decision-support systems to optimise water allocation and supply;
• Implementing water supply rationing when necessary;
• Developing and applying water resources accounting systems to determine the volumes of water used and/or banked by the Parties; and
• Facilitating communication and engagement between KOBWA and stakeholders on system operations through the Komati Joint Operations Forum (KJOF).

Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance Unit

This Unit is responsible for the operation and maintenance of dams in accordance with approved operating procedures, maintenance manuals, and recognised engineering best practices. Regular inspections, including daily, weekly, quarterly, and annual assessments, are conducted to ensure that dam infrastructure remains safe, reliable, and in optimal operating condition.

Risk and Uncertainty Management Unit

Environmental

The Environmental Unit is responsible for monitoring the water quality of rivers and reservoirs within KOBWA's area of operation to assess compliance with Ecological Water Requirements. The Unit also monitors and manages invasive alien vegetation, which can adversely affect water availability and biodiversity. KOBWA is required by various legislative and regulatory frameworks to undertake water quality monitoring within the Komati River Basin. Key legislative requirements include:

Comprehensive Mitigation Plans (CMPs): Environmental legislation in both South Africa and Eswatini requires that Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Comprehensive Mitigation Plans (CMPs) be completed before major development projects, such as the Komati River Basin Development Project, are implemented. The CMP is legally binding on the project proponent and prescribes specific water quality monitoring requirements, including parameters to be measured and the frequency of monitoring.

National Water Legislation: National water legislation in both countries establishes water quality objectives and standards for various water uses. In Eswatini, key legislative instruments include the Water Act (2003) and the Draft Water Pollution Control Regulations. In South Africa, the National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998) and the Water Quality Classification System provide standards relating to irrigation, domestic use, aquatic ecosystem health, and other water uses.

KOBWA is required to ensure compliance with these legal requirements in the management and delivery of water from its dams.

Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management

The Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management function is responsible for ensuring that KOBWA and potentially affected communities are adequately prepared to respond before, during, and after flood and drought events. Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying and mapping areas exposed to flood and drought risks;
• Monitoring and forecasting extreme climatic events;
• Developing and implementing early warning systems;
• Establishing emergency response procedures; and
• Coordinating and liaising with relevant authorities and stakeholders in affected communities.

Geographical Information Systems

The Geographical Information System (GIS) section is responsible for collecting, managing, analyzing, and mapping spatial data to support water resource management, planning, and decision-making. Key responsibilities include:

• Participating in the identification and mapping of flood-prone areas.
• Identifying suitable locations for the installation of weather stations.
• Collecting data from KOBWA’s weather stations and sharing relevant information with meteorological offices in South Africa and Eswatini.
• Mapping and maintaining records of all water sources within KOBWA’s area of operation.
• Mapping major infrastructure located within KOBWA’s area of operation.
• Mapping socio-development facilities such as clinics, schools, and other community services within the Komati Sub-Basin.
• Supporting planning, monitoring, and decision-making processes through spatial data analysis and geographic information management.

Through these functions, the Operations Department plays a critical role in ensuring the sustainable management, delivery, and protection of water resources within the Komati River Basin.