Update on Study Tour to China: discussion

PUBLIC WORKS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
2 April 2003
UPDATE ON STUDY TOUR TO CHINA: DISCUSSION

Documents handed out:
None

Chairperson: Chief M E Hlengwa (ANC)

SUMMARY
The Committee discussed the study tour to China and Malaysia later in the year. The Chairperson suggested that the delegation be split so as to gain more in the two countries. The Committee adopted previous minutes.

MINUTES
Update on the study tour to China
The Committee Secretary informed the Committee that the Chinese had requested a list of Members who would form the delegation to China. They had also requested specific dates and the period the Committee intended spending in China.

Mr M Chikane (ANC) asked what the objective of the visit to China was.

The Chairperson explained that the Committee had decided on the trip to China. The purpose of the visit was to expand the public works programme. Another purpose was to see China's programme on job creation.

The Chairperson suggested that the delegation be split in two, one to China and one to Malaysia, in order to get all the necessary information.

Mr Chikane expressed his concern about this. He stated that if there is going to be two delegations, then there has to be two secretaries. The Committee Secretary informed Members that only eight Members and one secretary can go to China.

Mr S Opperman (DP) suggested that persons who have not yet been abroad should get an opportunity.

The Chairperson's response was that the Committee is not merely visiting China but in fact is going there to gain something to bring back to South Africa. It would therefore not be viable to send people to China just because they have never been abroad but in fact to send people who would actually bring back useful information. This matter will, however, be addressed in the next meeting. Members were requested to submit their names to the Committee Secretary so that preparation could go ahead.

Mr Opperman was concerned that this study tour would be cancelled as the previous one was and suggested that it first be established whether the trip has been approved.

Adoption of Minutes
Members adopted the minutes of 19 and 26 February and 3 March 2003.

Ms T Nwamitwa- Shilubana asked for clarity on the issue of the asset register, which was discussed at the meeting of 26 February 2003.

Mr Radebe informed Ms Shilubana that the issue of the asset register is still under preparation as the properties need first be evaluated. The only property listed in the Western Cape is Robben Island Museum, which is presently being renovated.

Mr Radebe said that the issue of the asset register is a very fragile issue, as no one was informed of the government's assets in the apartheid regime. This is the first asset register but that is not really complete even though they started in 1994. He stated that the value of the properties still had to be assessed.

The Chairperson indicated that it would not be practical to attempt printing the register. It would be best for Members to approach the Department of Public Works.

A Member stated that the Department of Public works should be pressurised to give a list of government properties, as they had more than enough time to do a check.

The Chairperson suggested that the Department be requested to break the asset register up into registers for each province. This would then make access to the register much easier

Ms Shilubana advised the group going to Limpopo to visit the road from the airport joining the N1. She had spoken to the Province's MEC regarding the condition of the road and she was told that it is not in the province's jurisdiction to rebuild the road. She asked the group to at look at rebuilding this road.

The meeting was adjourned.