Question NW607 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
17 March 2023 - NW607
Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1)Whether, in light of a new Correctional Services Facility that is being constructed in Burgersdorp, located in the Walter Sisulu Local Municipal area, which is a drought-stricken area with poor bulk infrastructure on water and sanitation and it already exceeds the Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) of Eskom, which means load reduction is applied, he and/or his department did an impact study to assess if the (a) water and sanitation grid and (b) electricity grid can handle the extra volume of added persons to the specified area; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (2) Whether he and/or his department will furnish Ms A.M van Zyl with a copy of the specified impact study; if not, why not; if so, by what date; (3) What steps will be taken by his department to ensure that water and sanitation infrastructure is properly managed and does not cause residents to suffer any consequences; (4) What steps will be taken by his department to ensure that the NMD is not added as well, which will put more pressure on the system and lead to more load reduction for residents?
Reply:
(1) A comprehensive impact study was conducted and subsequently an Environmental Authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998GN and 983 as amended), for the upgrade and expansion of the Burgersdorp Correctional Facility within the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality was approved by the Department of Environmental Affairs.
(1)(a) Confirmation of bulk water services availability for the upgrades and renovations to the Burgersdorp Correctional Facilities was obtained from Joe Gqabi District Municipality. The Water Use License (WUL) was approved in respect of a general authorisation in line with section 39 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998), by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWAS).
(1)(b) Confirmation of Electrical Services and Capacity availability for the upgrades and renovations to the Burgersdorp Correctional Facilities was obtained from the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality, confirming availability of adequate electrical supply
.
(2) Yes, a copy of specified impact Study is attached as Annexure A.
(3) The upgrade of the water reticulation infrastructure includes:
- New elevated water storage;
- New borehole top structure;
- New pump main from borehole to the proposed vegetable site;
- New portable reticulation ring main for existing correctional centre as well as the new development;
- New fire water reticulation ring main for the existing correctional centre as well as the new development.
(4) Confirmation of Electrical Services and Capacity availability for the upgrades and renovations to the Burgersdorp Correctional Facilities was obtained from the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality, stating that “the supply from the Municipality at the sub-station is indeed adequate for the required upgrade of the facility”.
It is worth noting that the design of the correctional facility incorporates more technological advanced technologies and building standards than in comparison with the current Correctional Centre, which will ultimately be more energy and water efficient. Advanced heating systems such as calorifiers, and the installation of energy saving lighting equipment will increase energy efficiency. The new Correctional facility will be equipped with adequate back-up power systems, which will enhance operational efficiency.
END.