243General powers of authorised officers to enter watercourses, lakes, &c.

243 General powers of authorised officers to enter watercourses, lakes, &c.

(1)  An authorised officer may –

(a) enter on the bed and banks of any watercourse or lake; or

(b) enter any premises as provided by section 241 after giving such notice, if any, as is provided by that section –

for the purpose of, or in connection with, exercise by the water entity concerned of any power conferred by this Part to carry out works on or in that watercourse or lake and may take with him or her such vehicles, machinery and other things as may be required for the purpose of the works.

(2)  In the exercise of the powers conferred by this section, an authorised officer must do as little damage as possible and, in case of any damage, the water entity concerned must pay compensation in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act 1993 .

(3)  If the claimant and the water entity do not agree as to the amount of compensation payable under subsection (2) , the claim for compensation is to be determined –

(a) if it is a small claim, by the small claims division of the Magistrates Court; or

(b) in any other case, as if it were a disputed claim under the Land Acquisition Act 1993 .