Question NW2153 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
11 November 2016 - NW2153
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)What is the main defence purpose of the temporary military base that has been set up on the outskirts of the residential area of Fouriesburg in the Free State; (2) whether there are any plans to (a) resettle the specified base further away from the specified residential area and/or (b) establish the base as a permanent base; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, (i) what are the relevant details, (ii) by what date will the base be moved and/or established permanently and (iii) what amount will it cost; (3) whether any complaints regarding unreasonable noise pollution originating from the base were received from residents of Fouriesburg; if not, what steps will she take to ensure that the specified residents do not experience discomfort due to the unreasonable noise pollution; if so, what steps has she taken to address the specified complaints; (4) whether any complaints regarding unreasonable noise pollution originating from the base have been lodged with the Fouriesburg Police Station; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) what steps has she taken to address the specified complaints?
Reply:
1. Fouriesburg was identified as an Operational Base facility to accommodate Force Structure Elements (FSE’s) on a rotational basis to effect Border Control as part of the South African National Defence Force’s Border Control Strategy. Utilization of this facility for this purpose was further augmented by a Cabinet decision and Directive to continue with Border Control Operations as well as a request from the Border communities. Fouriesburg forms part of fifteen (15) Operation Base Facilities that have been identified nationally.
2. (a) and (b)
There are no plans to resettle this facility from its current location as it was used previously and closed as part of the reduction of force levels. The base will be resuscitated to a permanent military base facility for utilization for border control operations.
Following an assessment by the National Department of Public Works and the Local municipality it was approved that the facility be re-established. The estimated costs will be R36 million for two financial years, 2017/18 and 2018/19.
3. Complaints have been received by a section of the population of Fouriesburg. The commanders are engaging the entire community to listen to their concerns including noise pollution.
4. There is no evidence of any complaints laid at the local SAPS Police Station.