Questions & Replies No 1801 to 1825

2010-06-17

Search this file by selecting Ctrl + F on your keyboard

[PMG note: Replies are inserted as soon as they are provided by the Minister]

Question 1801

Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 1124 on 21 May 2010, why is the submarine SAS 101: Manthatisi currently being refurbished in the dry dock;

(2) (a)(i) what type of refurbishment is being undertaken and (ii) what are the anticipated costs of the refurbishment and (b) what maintenance of the battery is being undertaken;

(3) whether the submarine's wiring is damaged or was damaged in the past; if so, (a) what was the cause, in each case, and (b) how long is the refurbishment going to take;

(4) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW2075E

Reply

1. Where else would the Honourable Member suggest we should refurbish a submarine?

2 and 3 As soon as I have the information for questions 2 and 3, it will be forwarded to the Honourable Member.

QUESTIONS 1803 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

FRIDAY, 4 JUNE 2010

1803. Prof. B Turok (ANC) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:

(1) Whether there are any limits on funds spent by Ministers, Deputy Ministers and officials who travel abroad for meetings and official visits on accommodation and allowances; if not, why not; if so,

(2) whether provision is made for repayment of funds when the limits are exceeded; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether he will take any steps to reduce the cost to taxpayers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2078E

REPLY / ANSWER

(1) Yes, there are limits on funds spent by Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Officials. The Department does have an approved Travel and Subsistence policy in place with specific rules on foreign travel, accommodation and allowances. This policy also takes into account the stipulations of the Ministerial Handbook. Subsistence and travelling allowances are paid out in accordance with the "Financial Manual" dated 08 October 2009.

(2) The policy provide for recovery if so required. All allowances are paid in terms of the prescribed daily allowances and rather than providing additional funding upfront, officials are allowed to apply for approval to claim additional expenditure incurred that could not be covered within the allowance provided. In this instance, the department is minimizing the need to recover monies from officials. Compliance to the policy is also ensured at the time of making bookings to prevent unintended additional costs. The department has no cases where limits have been exceeded.

(3) The departmental Travel and Subsistence policy is being reviewed and flight and car hire travel classes have been amended to reduce costs. As another cost saving method, the department through the appointed travel agency is negotiating corporate agreements where possible to reduce costs. It should also be mentioned that through the leadership of the current Minister for Public Service and Administration, a decision was taken to reduce the size of delegations for overseas trips and to reduce the number of trips to ensure that only priority trips in line with the priorities of the department are undertaken.

The Minister, together with his colleagues of other Departments, will endeavour to ensure that departments adhere to procurement deployment of State resources in line with the applicable legislative framework.

QUESTION NUMBER 1804

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 4 June 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 16

1804. Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) How many water licences compared to mining licences have been issues (a) in the (i) 2005-06, (ii) 2006-07, (iii) 2007-08, (iv) 2008-09 and (v) 2009-10 financial year and (b) during the period up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) Whether she will take any action against mines who have not been issued with water licences; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2080E

Reply

(1) The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act which is administered by this Department, does not provide for water licences.

(2) Not applicable. See (1) above.

QUESTION NO 1806

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 4 JUNE 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 16- 2010)

Date reply submitted: 14 June 2010

1806. Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

Whether learning material for police training are available in languages other than English; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2082E

REPLY:

Learning material for police training is not available in languages other than English. The language of instruction at all South African Police Service Training Institutions and the language of communication in the South African Police Service is English. It is not feasible to provide learning material and instruction in different languages since trainers, examiners and moderators are not conversant with more than two official languages and groups of learners consist of people from different language groups.

It is not practical to present courses in more than one language due to time constraints. It is likewise also not practical to set assessments (exam papers) in different languages, due to logistical constraints, including lack of translators, trainers, examiners and moderators capable to communicate in languages other than English.

I have instructed that the Civilian Secretariat for Police conduct and assessment of training including the languages used as a medium

QUESTION NUMBER 1807

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 4 JUNE 2010

Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Finance:

Whether a policy has been implemented with regard to the implementation of a subsidy to employers to lower the cost of hiring young people without work experience; if not, why not; if so, what (a) is the date of implementation and (b) are the further relevant details?

NW2083E

REPLY

A youth employment subsidy has not been implemented. It is still under discussion in government. There will also be discussions with other stakeholders on the question of youth employment. The youth employment subsidy proposed for consideration during the Budget stated that the subsidy was intended to be implemented so that young people would begin benefiting from the initiative by early next year, 2011.

The implementation date of a youth employment subsidy will depend on agreement and approval within Government regarding the design of the subsidy including who will be eligible, the value and duration of the subsidy, its fiscal cost and relevant legislative matters.

QUESTION NO 1808

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04 JUNE 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16)

1808. Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What recourse would persons have who are affected by the issue of a licence or by the authorisation for water use in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998? NW2084E

REPLY:

Section 41(4) of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 (the Act) allows the responsible authority (my Department) to request applicants to notify people who are interested in or who could be affected by a proposed new water use, to lodge written objections before a specified date.

When a decision has been made on the application, my Department must notify the applicant and any affected person who had lodged an objection in terms of Section 42 of the Act. However, the affected person who had timeously lodged an objection could appeal to the Water Tribunal against the decision of my Department within 30 days of the notice in terms of Section 148 of the Act.

QUESTION NO 1809

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04 JUNE 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16)

1809. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether any areas or catchments have been declared as environmentally too sensitive to be subjected to mining operations; if so, (a) what are the details of these areas or catchments and the declaration of their sensitivity and (b) on what basis was the declaration made in each case; if not,

(2) whether plans are in place to declare certain areas or catchments as environmentally too sensitive to be subjected to mining operations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether any research is being conducted or planned with a view to declaring certain areas or catchments as environmentally too sensitive to be subjected to mining operations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2085E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1) There has not been any declaration made as to the environmental sensitivity of catchments in respect of mining. It is important to note that both the National Water Act and the National Environmental Management Act entitles any person to apply for a Water Use Licence or an Environmental Authorisation in terms of the respective statutes as far is mining is concerned. Therefore, to make a declaration to prevent mining in certain areas could be construed as action being in conflict with the provision of the afore-mentioned legislation.

There are various legislated integrated environmental management (IEM) tools which can achieve a similar purpose (i.e. balancing environmental protection with development). From an environmental management point of view, these include the development of Environmental Management Frameworks, identification of geographic areas and Strategic Environmental Assessments. The benefit of geographic areas is that additional activities can be added to the current environmental impact assessment (EIA) list of activities that require approval, as well as the making these lists to have more stringent requirements.

From a water resource management perspective, measures to protect the water resources include resource directed measures (RDM), source directed controls (SDC), water resource monitoring, as well as conditions (i.e. resource quality objectives) set as part of water use authorisations. Therefore, any water use authorisation must be evaluated on its own merits taking the aforementioned measures into account, in the same way that the EIA application is evaluated on its own merits taking the environmental attributes into account.

(1)(a) Falls away

(1)(b) Falls away

(2) The Protected Areas Act and the Biodiversity Act also makes provision for identifying areas of high environmental importance that should specify specific terms and conditions in terms of resource use. My Department is also working in close collaboration with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) in identifying areas with high biodiversity status.

(3) Three studies in three water management areas respectively are currently underway for the classification of all significant water resources in terms of the requirements of the National Water Act. These studies will complement the intiatives by SANBI in identifying areas comprising of high biodiversity status.

QUESTION NO.:1810

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 04 June 2010

1810. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

(1) Whether Eskom's procurement policy includes the purchase of coal exclusively from mines that are fully compliant with all applicable water and environmental legislation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether Eskom is developing such policy requirements; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) when will this policy requirement be enforced? NW2086E

REPLY

(1) Yes, all mines need to have appropriate water-use licences and demonstrate a commitment to environmental excellence.

(2)(a-b) Eskom's Procurement and Supply Chain Management Procedure requires that "Buyers will take care that, to the extent possible, procurement does not cause negative environmental impacts." Eskom has developed a set of guidelines for the procurement of coal from new sources which include the following:

· Compliance with all legislative requirements and demonstration thereof. All mines have an approved environment management programme and fully funded financial provision. All mines need to have appropriate water-use licences before the contract is concluded;

· Demonstrate commitment to safety, health and environmental excellence and to conduct operations with respect and care for people and the environment. This will require that adequate management oversight and control measures and resources are made available for Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) management;

· Engage key stakeholders, including employees, organised labour and Eskom on elements of SHE issues;

· Continuously review, analyse and respond to SHE performance with the objective of continuous improvement in performance;

· Incorporate SHE as an integral part of operations (including: governance structures; decision-making criteria; operational procedures; work instructions, designs, contracts; work method statements; job specifications; performance criteria and reporting);

· Accept that no operating condition or urgency of service can justify endangering the life of anyone or cause injury or damage to the environment;

· Educate, training, and motivate employees and contractors in relation to SHE issues;

· Ensure Eskom compliance with these criteria; and

· Transporters have a set of specific SHE principles to be adhered to before either the driver or the vehicle is inducted for entry into Eskom's power stations.

To give effect to Eskom's requirements, a Standard Coal Contract and Off-take Agreement has been developed that specifies to a high level of detail the required level of compliance that coal miners need to adhere to in terms of environmental legislation.

Currently, the guidelines mentioned are being implemented before coal contracts are concluded. However, some of the mines that are being contracted are in the process of converting their old Water Permits to Integrated Water Use licences.

QUESTION NO 1811

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04 JUNE 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16)

1811. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether the regulatory audits of wastewater treatment works classified with the so-called Zero Green Drop Scores in the 2009 Green Drop Report have commenced; if not, (a) why not, (b) when will these audits commence and (c) how frequently will these audits be carried out; if so, what are the relevant details of the wastewater treatment works that are being audited;

(2) whether the results of the audits will be made public; if so, (a) when and (b) how? NW2087E

REPLY:

(1) Yes. My Department commenced with consultative audits (verification and process optimization) of wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) and will be giving priority to those that were not assessed in the 2009 Green Drop assessment.

(1)(a) These audits had started in March 2009 after completion of the 2009 Green Drop Report.

(1)(b) Audits for the Green Drop Report will be done on an annual basis and the intention is to ultimately cover all WWTWs.

(1)(b) Details of the works will be given in the Green Drop Report although the main purpose of the Green Drop Report is on performance of the WWTWs in terms of certain criteria rather than detail technical information on the works itself.

(1)(b) As said above the assessments of WWTWs will be done on an annual basis.

(2) Yes, the results will be made public.

(2)(a) Towards the end of the year

(2)(b) Results will be made public by means of the 2010 Green Drop report.

QUESTION 1812

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [No 16-2010]
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 4 June 2010
1812. Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

Whether there are any plans in place to attend to the ailing citrus farm project in the Sundays River Municipality between Kirkwood and Enon; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will the project be attended to; if so, (i) what are the relevant details of these plans and (ii) when will the implementation of these plans commence? NW2088E

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM:

Yes.

(i) The Eastern Cape Provincial Government's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has invited strategic partners to work with the community of Enon/Bersheba to develop, manage and maintain the citrus farm. The said Department will appoint strategic partners once the proposals from potential strategic partners have been scrutinised through their Supply Chain Management processes. The proposals have been received and a Bid Adjudication Committee will be convened soon.

(ii) Once the adjudication process has been completed, The provincial office of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, Eastern Cape will resume with the community facilitation meeting on 14 and 15 July 2010.

(a) and (b) Fall away.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO.: 1813

DATE OF QUESTION: 04 JUNE 2010

1813. Ms M Smuts (DA) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:

(1) Whether there is a backlog of criminal cases at the Hermanus Magistrates' Court; if so, (a) how (i) many of these cases are outstanding, (ii) long have these cases been outstanding and (iii) many prosecutors are available at the court and (b) what steps he intends taking to reduce the backlog;

(2) whether this backlog has an effect on bail applications in less serious crimes; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2089E

REPLY:-

(1) (a) I wish to inform the Honourable Member that there is a backlog of criminal cases at the Hermanus Magistrate's Court. The court in question comprises at present of two permanent magistrates. The one magistrate (the head of judicial office) deals with the civil and family court matters (i.e. Domestic Violence, Children's Court & Maintenance cases) as well as all quasi – judicial functions, whilst the other magistrate deals with the criminal district court. There is also one periodic Regional Court at Hermanus which is staffed with a magistrate and prosecutor from the Strand court.

(i) There were 892 outstanding cases on the roll as at the end of April 2010.

(ii) According to the definition adopted by the department, a backlog case is any case older than six months on the district court roll. In this regard, 398 (45%) of the 892 outstanding cases were backlog cases as at the end of April 2010.

(iii) There are 3 prosecutors and 1 control prosecutor available at the court.

(b) I wish to inform the Honourable Member that steps have already been taken to deal with the increased workload at that court. In the past year, an additional magistrate has been sent to Hermanus for two days of the week to staff a second criminal District Court. This has assisted, but on analysis of the outstanding roll and particularly the number of backlog cases, it was considered that additional interventions are required and therefore a dedicated case backlog reduction court was established at Hermanus with effect from 1 April 2010. In addition, an experienced prosecutor has been placed in this court. Backlog cases are being heard in this court on a daily basis and a decrease in the backlog cases is foreseen. The Chief Prosecutor has also issued instructions that the prosecutors screen all the existing dockets on the roll to consider options such as diversion where appropriate, or to remove cases where a continued prosecution has become undesirable. The situation will be monitored on a monthly basis.

(2) The Hermanus courts handle on average about 19 formal bail applications per month. Due to the heavy workload, the backlogs have had an impact on all bail applications, and vice versa. This is because although bail matters are normally prioritised, dealing with them leaves less time available to deal with the trial cases. The new backlog court will however assist in dealing with the long outstanding trial matters.

QUESTION NO 1814

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04 JUNE 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16)

1814. Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether Rand Water is drawing from the Klip River as a source for potable water for its clients; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the quality of the water in the Klip River meets the standards as set by her department; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, how was this conclusion reached;

(3) whether she has taken any steps to improve the state of the Klip River; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether any (a) notices of intention to issue directives or (b) directives have been issued against any entities for point source pollution into the Klip River; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2090E

REPLY:

(1) No, Rand Water is not drawing water from the Klip River as a source for potable water for its clients. Water is being supplied through a dedicated pipeline and canal directly from Vaal Dam to Rand Water's Purification Works.

(2) Yes, according to my Department's monthly monitoring, the quality of water in the
Klip River generally meets the in-stream water quality objectives as set by my Department. However, due to unforeseen pollution incidents which occur from time to time, some of the variables may not at times meet the required standard.

(3) Yes, my Department has commissioned the Klip River Water Quality Management Study which is currently being undertaken to compile a management plan for the river. This plan will also cater for the management of pollution incidents. Furthermore, a forum which meets on a quarterly basis has been formed to specifically deal with water related issues in the area.

(4)(a) No notices of intention to issue directives have been issued, however non-compliance letters have been sent to water users which were not complying with agreed prescripts.

(4)(b) No directives have been issued against for point source pollution in the Klip River as all the water users have been cooperating with my Department.

QUESTION NO. 1815

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16 NW2093E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 04 June 2010

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) In which (i) directorate of the Department of Environmental Affairs or (ii) entity reporting to her is a certain person (name furnished) employed and (b) what is his (i) designation and (ii) annual salary package;

(2) whether a business wholly or part-owned by this person applied for a boat-based whale watching permit; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether it is permissible for a business of an employee of her department or entity reporting to her to apply for a boat-based whale watching permit; if not, why not; if so, how was this conclusion reached;

(4) what are the (a) names and (b) designations of all individuals who sit in the committee that decide who are the successful applicants in the boat-based whale watching sector?

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1815. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) (a) (i)The named person is not a departmental employee. (ii) He is employed by SANParks and works at the Addo Elephant National Park.

(b) (i) His designation is a Senior Section Ranger Woody Cape. (ii) His annual salary can be obtained from SANParks.

(2) Yes, he is part-owner of a business that applied for a boat-based whale watching permit.

(3) In general it is acceptable for a SANParks official to be a member of an entity which applies for a permit, provided that such interest is declared and the person does not participate in the process of awarding the permit. According to SANParks the employees are then, after approval according to internal rules of the entity, able to conduct their business. However, this is done with own resources and outside the working hours of the entity.

(4) The process is led by an advisory group comprising the following:

· Suraya Hamdulay (Consultant, Resolve Group),

· Adv Johan de Waal (Resolve Group),

· Adv David van de Linde (Resolve Group) and

· Herman Oostuizen (Department of Environmental Affairs).

The group make recommendations to Dr Razeena Omar (Chief Director of Integrated Coastal Management within the Department of Environmental Affairs) who is the delegated authority. Appeals go to the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs.

QUESTION NO. 1816

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04 June 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16)

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

Whether the Government is still considering the implementation of a national health insurance scheme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2094E

REPLY:

Government's position has not changed since its official pronouncement on this matter. The Honourable Member will recall that we have clearly indicated that this is work-in-progress and further pronouncements will be made when we are ready to do so. I have said this on a number of occasions in different platforms, including in Parliament itself. The Honourable Member may refer to my speech during the occasion of the debate on our Budget Vote in the National Assembly on 13 April 2010.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO.: 1817

DATE OF QUESTION: 04 JUNE 2010

1817. Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:

Whether any of his employees are currently suspended with full pay for more than 60 days pending investigations into alleged misconduct in contravention of the Public Service Act, 1994, Proclamation No. 103 of 1994; if so, (a) how many employees and (b) what (i) is the average number of days that each of these employees have been suspended with full pay, (ii) steps have been taken to expedite the disciplinary hearings of these employees and (iii) is the total cost to his department of the salaries paid to these employees beyond the 60 day period?

NW2095E

REPLY:-

The information requested by the Honourable Member is detailed below but l would like to advise that this information is still constantly being verified by my Department as developments change.

(a) 27

(b)(i) 503

(b)(ii) My Department has implemented the following steps to uplift the suspensions of these officials:-

· Reviewing the grounds of suspension and if deemed necessary uplifting the suspension;

· Consultation with the relevant Prosecutor to review the criminal case;

· Reviewing evidence with a view to minimising length of hearings and appeal processes;

· Stepping up the disciplinary process.

(b)(iii) The total cost incurred is R 4,685,538.45.

QUESTION NO 1818

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 4 JUNE 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 16- 2010)

Date reply submitted: 14 June 2010

1818. Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

REPLY:

The South African Police Service does not have employees suspended with full pay for more than 60 days pending investigations into alleged misconduct in contravention of the Public Service Act, 1994, Proclamation No. 103 of 1994. However, the South African Police Service employees' misconduct cases are dealt with in terms of the SAPS Discipline Regulations.

In terms of SAPS Regulation, we currently have employees suspended with full pay for more than 60 days pending investigation of the alleged misconduct.

(a) 22 employees are suspended with full pay.

(b) (i) The average number of days is 85.

(ii) Yes, there are steps instituted leading to disciplinary hearings.

(iii) The total cost for these employees is R872,897-20.

QUESTION NO 1819

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 4 JUNE 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 16- 2010)

1819. Mr M H Steele (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) (a) What has been the progress of the investigation into certain persons and companies (details furnished) with regard to the Strategic Defence Procurement Packages and (b) who is currently heading the investigation;

(2) whether the investigation is being conducted with the assistance of German authorities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether he will make a statement with regard to the investigation?

NW2099E

REPLY:

As I explained in my previous answer to questions on theStrategic Defence Procurement Packages this matter is now with the NPA I would therefore request the honourable member direct further questions to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.

QUESTION NO 1820

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04 JUNE 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16)

1820. Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 701 on 27 May 2010, (a) why does her department not provide funds for the Diatom Assessment Protocol (DAP) project and (b) what amount was her department requested to contribute to this project;

(2) whether her department will reconsider its decision not to provide funds to the project; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2100E

REPLY:

(1)(a) My Department could not provide funds to the Diatom assessment Protocol project due to budgetary constraints, following of proper supply chain management procedures and compliance to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) when dealing with unsolicited bids.

(1)(b) My Department was asked to contribute R300 000 towards this project.

(2) My Department is always willing to consider projects that are in line with departmental priorities hence the project could be reconsidered subject to 1(a) above. However, my Department will still contribute personnel time and participate in the discussions for further development of the Diatom Assessment Protocol.

QUESTION NO 1821

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04 JUNE 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16)

1821. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) What is the estimated amount of untreated and partially treated sewage that has flowed into the Hartebeespoortdam since 1 January 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what are the principal sources of this pollution;

(2) whether there are programmes specifically aimed at reducing the amount of sewage flowing into the dam; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the details of these programmes and (b) budgetary allocations for the (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11 financial years;

(3) whether these programmes have had any measurable successes in reducing sewage flowing into the dam; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether her department has made any representation to Treasury to increase the amount of funds available to the programmes to reduce sewage flowing into the dam; if not, why not; if so, what has been the response? NW2101E

REPLY:

(1)(a) The biggest spillage continued for more than six weeks from the manhole on the shoreline of the Hartebeespoort Dam in Meerhof. This manhole represents not more than 30% of the total volume to the Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW). The WWTW receives on an average 2.5 mega litres per day and therefore an estimated volume of the raw sewage spillage into the dam for this event would not be more than 31.5 mega litres.

(1)(b) The source of this pollution is failing pump stations around the Hartebeespoort Dam emanating from Madibeng Local Municipality (LM).

(2)(a) Yes, there are programmes by Madibeng LM to address the amount of sewage flowing into the dam. Such programmes include the following:

· The municipality, infrastructure residential committee (a group of 10 retired engineers who offered their services to the municipality) and Hartebeespoort Dam Inhabitant Forum are conducting a detailed audit of all pump station and other sanitation infrastructure. They also determine remedial measures and financial requirement to address this.

· My Department has deployed an engineer to also assist in the pump station audit process.

· Lonmin Plantinum Mine has deployed the UWP Consulting Engineers to also assist in capacity building for municipal officials.

· Reviewing of municipal by-laws to ensure correct effluent discharge from industries and restaurants in the area since some of the spillage problems are caused by fats from restaurants, grease and foreign objects.

(2)(b)(i) The total direct operating cost is R 8 280 919 for the 2009/10 financial year and R20 million for 2010/11 financial year.[z1]

(2)(b)(ii) There is a sharp escalation of the operation and maintenance budget in
Madibeng LM for 2010/2011 financial years to address the challenges. An estimated capital injection of R20 million is required to upgrades the water and sanitation infrastructure. This figure will be confirmed once the audit has been completed and will inform the budget requirements for 2010/2011 financial year.

(3) No, the success of the programmes still has to be determined. However, in the interim spillages from pump stations are attended to and problems addressed when noticed or reported.

(4) No, as indicated in paragraph (2)(a) above, the details of the financial requirements to turn around the water and sanitation especially spilling pump stations are still being assessed. In the meantime, the Madibeng LM held a meeting with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to solicit funding. To date, DBSA has also deployed engineers to do need analysis in areas of water and sanitation, financial and town planning in Madibeng LM.

[z1]Delete this if NW doesn't have the figures.

QUESTION NO. 1822

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16 NW2102E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 04 June 2010

Mr. M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether there has been any request for a process leading to environmental authorisation from a certain group (name furnished) to build several biomass power plants in the north of KwaZulu-Natal; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether there is any concern that the feedstock for these biomass plants, if authorised, will result in an increase in deforestation of the indigenous forests in the area; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mr M J Ellis (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1822. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) The Department of Environmental Affairs did receive an application (request) in terms of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) regulations for the proposed Amakhosi Biomass Project near Mbazwana in KwaZulu Natal on 4 August 2009 which receipt was acknowledged by the Department on 1 September 2009. Since the submission of the application, the department did not receive any further documentation (scoping report and plan of study) as required by the EIA regulations. The environmental impact assessment practitioner (EAP) responsible for the project indicated on 4 June 2010 that the project is on hold.

(2) The Department cannot comment at this stage as no reports indicating the source of the biomass material has been submitted. The concern regarding the source of biomass material is noted and will be considered before a decision regarding this application is made, should the application be further pursued by the applicant.

QUESTION NO 1823

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04 JUNE 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16)

1823. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether her department has laid a criminal charge against (a) a certain mine (details furnished) and (b) the liquidators of the mine for any transgressions under the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2103E

REPLY:

(a) Yes, a criminal case against Aurora Gold Mine (formerly Grootvlei Gold Mine) was registered on 14 May 2010 at Springs Police Station. At this stage, the case is being investigated by the Organised Crime Unit at Germiston. My Department's Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CME) Unit is working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Investigating Officer to collect all outstanding evidence to finalise the investigation and to ensure that the matter is forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority for perusal and further guidance.

(b) No criminal charges have been laid against the liquidators as the investigations are currently ongoing. My Department will be guided by the results of the investigation, once concluded, on how to proceed.

QUESTION 1824

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

1824. Mr S C Motau (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether there has been an application from a certain group (name furnished) to build several biomass power plants in the north of KwaZulu-Natal; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether there has been an application for carbon credits under the clean development mechanism; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether there is any agreement on the project to sell electricity into the national grid; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2104E

Reply:

(1) No. The Department does not receive applications for any projects. The process of concluding renewable energy projects is prescribed under the regulations for new generation capacity under the Electricity Regulation Act. NERSA receives generation application for these projects.

(2) The department under the Designated National Authority (DNA) has not registered Thuthuka Group Limited application for Carbon Credits.

(3) No. Any project seeking to sell power into the electricity grid has to comply with the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act, including securing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). A license cannot be issued without a PPA.

QUESTION NO 1825

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04 JUNE 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16)

1825. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) What is the total amount of money owed to her department by each (i) local and (ii) district municipality in respect of water purchased directly from her department as at the last specified date for which information is available and (b) what portion of the total outstanding amount represents (i) current and (ii) arrear debt;

(2) whether she has taken any steps to recover the outstanding amounts from these municipalities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2105E

---00O00---

REPLY:

As of end of April 2010

(1)(i) The Local Municipalities owing money to my Department are listed in Annexure A.

(1)(ii) The District Municipalities owing money to my Department are listed in Annexure B.

The next report for both local and district municipalities will only be available at the end of June 2010.

(2) Yes, the relevant details are as follows:

· Regular invoicing;

· Regular reminders;

· Telephonic follow-ups regarding payment of their accounts;

· My Department requested the National Treasury to help recover outstanding monies; and

· The National Treasury facilitated meetings between my Department and municipalities with the cooperation by Provincial Treasuries.

2010-06-17

What's wrong with this page?