The National Meteorological Service Act, 2009, establishes the National Meteorological Service as a public office, defining its powers and functions. The Service is responsible for the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of meteorological data while ensuring compliance with national and international standards. It holds exclusive authority over the issuance of warnings related to adverse weather conditions and provides meteorological services to the aviation industry, military, and general public. The Act also mandates the licensing and regulation of private meteorological services, establishing the Meteorological Licensing Committee to oversee this process. The Committee is empowered to grant, suspend, or revoke licences, maintain a register of operators, and ensure compliance with prescribed standards. Additionally, an Appeals Committee is instituted to address grievances related to licensing decisions. Intellectual property rights over meteorological data and advisory services remain vested in the Service, restricting unauthorized distribution or publication. Limitations on liability are explicitly outlined, precluding claims arising from reliance on meteorological information provided. Offences related to licence forgery, unauthorized data publication, and non-compliance with regulations are subject to specified penalties. The Minister is authorized to enact regulations for the calibration of instruments, licensing procedures, data submission, and the establishment of private meteorological stations.
Botswana · 2009-05-11