Questions & Replies: Water & Environmental Affairs
2010-07-07
THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.
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QUESTION NO. 3565. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.39 NW4405EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 November 2010
Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
What (a) are the threats that have been identified by her departments with regard to the impact of climate change and (b) initiatives to promote adaptation to climate change are her departments involved in?
Mrs A Steyn (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS3565. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(a) CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT (THREAT)
The research which has been conducted in South Africa in an attempt to quantify the climatic trend and the nature, likelihood and potential consequences' impact thereof has confirmed the impact to various sectors as a result of climate change. Sectors such as agriculture, water and forestry are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as a result of decreases in rainfall and the increased frequency of extreme weather events such as flooding, drought and heat waves. Besides these, climate change also threatens major sectors such as health and tourism. Climate change also threatens progress made in poverty reduction and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS). Poor communities, children, women and small scale farmers are likely to be the most affected by the effects of climate change because they are unlikely to respond to the direct and indirect effects of climate change because of limited financial, human and institutional capacity.
Climate change poses threats to, the following sectors, amongst others:
· Human healthThere are several important insect-carried diseases of humans and livestock which respond to climatic conditions such as small increase in temperature would allow malaria to spread into areas which are currently malaria-free, and would increase its severity in areas where it already occurs. Reduced agricultural potential in some areas could lead to reduced yields and subsequently poor yields and subsequently poor nutrition, increasing the burden of diseases such as tubercolosis., Physical impacts from heat stress could also increase.
· Water sectorSouth Africa is, overall, a water stressed country with the mean annual rainfall of about 490 mm compared with the global average of about 876 mm. Climate change is one of several drivers currently influencing water resources in South Africa's rivers as a result of high temperature. There is high confidence that changes in hydrological processes such as increased evaporation are related to increasing temperature. The projected increase in temperature will partially offset any increase in rainfall, for some areas due to an increase in potential evaporation of about 5% per 1oC. South Africa's industrial, domestic and agricultural users are highly dependent on a reliable supply of water. A reduction in rainfall amount or variability, or an increase in evaporation (due to higher temperatures) would further strain the already limited amount of water resources and water quality.
· Agriculture and Rangeland Forestry.The agriculture sector is a key component of the South African national economy. The potential impact of climate change on food production, agricultural livelihood and food security are some of the biggest concerns in the country. The frequency and intensity of fire is likely to increase due to increase in temperature and dry spells which will impact on the plantation. The forestry industry could probably tolerate a small increase in temperature, but a decrease in rainfall would reduce the area which can support plantations, and the growth rate of the trees. These effects have carry over effects on the rest of Southern Africa in view of shared catchments and hydrological systems and hence on river flows and in view of the export of agricultural products.
· Terrestrial biodiversityThere is evidence that South Africa's unique rich biodiversity is at risk from projected anthropogenic climate change. Flora, in particular, have trouble keeping up with rapid climate change. Small, isolated populations could go extinct as a result. South Africa has about 10% of all the plant species in the world, of which about half occur nowhere else on earth. An example is that, warming and a change in the seasonal rainfall threatens the Cape floral kingdom.
· Invasive alien speciesSouth Africa is substantially affected by invasive alien species in the terrestrial, fresh water and marine environments. These invasive species posed a threat to biodiversity and water resources. Predicted climate change will result in invasive biota also distributed in areas currently not invaded by such species.
· Human livelihoodThe impact of climate change on climate variability is likely to increase the risk to Natural and Physical Resource as an example assets and activities. The increase in temperature increases the fire risk which is currently a major threat to informal settlements and has the potential to cause major damage to livelihoods.
(b) INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATIONThere are various initiatives being undertaken by the department and other government departments which include: climate change capacity building to National departments, Provincials, District and local municipalities in the country, coordinating climate change adaptation sector plan with sector departments such as Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tourism, Water, Health, Social Development, Rural Development, and SALGA. The Department facilitates the establishment of South African adaptation network/forum an NGO's initiative aimed at promoting adaptation issues, capacity building, sharing of experience and coordinates inputs to the policy process. Various risk-sharing approaches are being implemented to strengthen climate change adaptation strategies, including disaster management, co-operative water resource management, and poverty alleviation, trans boundary co-operation by sectors such as Health, Agriculture, Water, Energy and Security. South Africa is still vulnerable to climate change and variability because of its limited adaptive capacity as a result of, among others, widespread poverty, and dependence on rain fed-agriculture, recurrent drought, inequitable land distribution and HIV/AIDS. Second National Communication published in November provides the latest scientific understanding of climate impacts and vulnerability whilst the green paper on climate change presents policy options including adaptation.
QUESTION NO 3301
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 NOVEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 37)
3301. Mrs H Lamoela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether any (a) pre-notices, (b) directives and (c) criminal charges have been laid against the Kungwini Municipality in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998;
(2) whether the Godrich sewerage plant in this municipality is being (a) expanded and (b) refurbished; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether her department is assisting this municipality in any way to improve its sewerage infrastructure; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) to what extent (a) does each waste water treatment works in this municipality comply with effluent release standards and (b) does the actual flow comply with the design flow? NW4125E
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REPLY:
(1)(a) No, during the current year, there has been no pre-directive issued against the Kungwini Local Municipality (LM). However, my Department has recently received a complaint regarding pollution and subsequently conducted an investigation. Depending on the outcomes of the report, a notice could issued.
(1)(b) No. During the current year, there has been no directive issued against the
Kungwini LM.
(1)(c) No. During the current year, there have been no criminal charges laid against the
Kungwini LM.
(2) No, the Godrich Sewerage Plant is not being expanded and/or refurbished. However, for the 2011/12 financial year, an amount of R11 million from Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) will be utilised for the refurbishment of the plant.
(3) Yes, my Department is providing assistance to the Kungwini LM as follows:
· An allocation of R1.6 million for the operation and maintenance of the Inkangala Ponds through my Department's Transfer Programme.
· Replacement of the Inkangala Ponds with a new sewage treatment plant. Such initiative is a joint venture between my Department and COGTA though utilising MIG with a budget allocation of R48 million and R78 million respectively. The construction is currently in progress.
· Training of 12 staff which were transferred by my Department (as part of my Departmental Transfer Programme) and four Process Controllers through a joint venture between my Department and the Local Government Sector Training Authority Capacity Building Programme.
(4)(a) There are three wastewater treatment works operated by the Kungwini LM, namely, the Godrich Sewage Plant; the Inkangala Oxidation Ponds and the Rithabiseng Ponds. Currently, only the Godrich Sewage Plant complies with the effluent standards. However as indicated in (3) Bullet 2 above, the replacement of Inkangala Ponds is in construction process while Rithabiseng Ponds will be attended to in due course.
(4)(b) With regard to the Godrich Sewage Plant, the actual flow is within the design flow.
QUESTION NO 3181
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 05 NOVEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 36)
3181. Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether the Green Drop System (GDS) website is operational; if not, why not; if so, what (a) was the cost to (i) develop and (ii) host this website, (b) does the website aim to achieve, (c) aspects of the website will members of the public be restricted from accessing, (d) is the motivation for restricting certain aspects of this website and (e) are the further relevant details? NW3986E
REPLY:
(a) Yes, the Green Drop System (GDS) is operational although it is still in development phase.
(a)(i) The cost for the development of the GDS is R 550 000.00
(a)(ii) Hosting costs are expected to be about R 800 000.00 p/a.
(b) The primary objective of the system is to communicate wastewater services data and information between Water Services Authorities and my Department as the regulator. In addition, its benefit includes among others the formulation of reports from both compliance and operational information to inform management planning for each treatment facility where such a need would arise.
(c) The system will eventually (once fully operational) provide the public with compliance information but access to raw data and data inputs (capturing fields) will be restricted.
(d) The motivation behind the restriction is to prevent unauthorised users to amend data; especially to avert malicious manipulation of records.
(e) It is envisaged that the GDS will be fully operational by the second quarter of 2011.
QUESTION NO. 3085. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 33 NW3811EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 29 October 2010
Ms H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether her department is implementing a coordinated and vigorous strategic plan, overseen by a special task team, to end the carnage of rhinos (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the relevant details and (b) has been the outcome since inception up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Ms H N Ndude (Cope)
SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS3085. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
Yes, (a) the Department has developed and is implementing the National Strategy for the Safety and Security of Rhinoceros Populations in South Africa; (b) the National Wildlife Crime Reaction Unit has been established to respond to the current upsurge in rhino poaching and the smuggling of rhino horn. In addition, a database on rhino poaching incidents has been established and 78 rhino-related arrests have been made since July 2010.
QUESTION NO 3074
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 OCTOBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 34)
3074. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) (a) What are the (i) names and (ii) designations of all staff at (aa) middle and (bb) senior management level in the Mhlatuze Water Board who (aaa) were suspended since 1 June 2009 or (bbb) are currently suspended, (b) on what date was each person suspended, (c) what is the status of his/her suspension and (d) why was each person suspended;
(2) whether any of the suspended persons had their suspensions lifted; if so, why, in each case? NW3798E
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REPLY:
(1)(a)(i) Mr Silas Mbedzi, Ms Lindy Dhlamini and Ms Nonhlanhla Nyewula.
(1)(a)(ii) Mr S Mbedzi, Chief Executive; Ms L Dhlamini, Supply Chain Manager and Ms N Nyewula, Chief Financial Officer.
(1)(aa) Ms Lindy Dhlamini was the only Middle Manager suspended by Mhlathuze Water Board.
(1)(bb) Mr S Mbedzi and Ms N Nyewula.
(1)(aaa) Mr S Mbedzi, Ms L Dhlamini and Ms N Nyewula.
(1)(bbb) Ms N Nyewula.
(1)(b) Mr S Mbedzi was suspended in February 2010, Ms L Dhlamini on the 9 April 2010 and Ms N Nyewula in October 2010.
(1)(c) The services of Mr S Mbedzi and Ms L Dhlamini were terminated. Ms N Nyewula is still under suspension.
(1)(d) Mr Mbedzi 's service was terminated for gross negligence, unauthorized purchase of World Cup Soccer Tickets to the value of R2million and for manipulating the process of the Board appointment of Mhlathuze Water.
Ms L Dhlamini's service was terminated for irregular awarding of tenders and thus contravening the Procurement Policy of Mhlathuze Water Board.
Ms N Nyewula is still on suspension for alleged dishonesty.
(2) None of the above-mentioned staff had their suspensions lifted.
QUESTION NO.3055. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 33 NW3775EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 29 October 2010
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1173 on 19 May 2010, the clean-up operation of the sites in Welkom has been concluded; if not, why not; if so, (a) what was the total amount of medical waste, in tonnes, that was removed from each of these sites, (b) where was the removed medical waste (i) treated and (ii) disposed of and (c) what is the current status of legal proceedings against the persons allegedly responsible for dumping this waste?
Mr G R Morgan (DA)
SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS3055. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
The clean up of the Welkom sites has been concluded as required by end of October 2010. A site visit was scheduled for 3rd November 2010 to enable officials to conduct a final inspection and close out all four of the sites in Welkom.
(a) The total amount of medical waste (mixed with soil) removed from the four sites is as follows:
| Affected Properties | Approximate Quantities removed |
| Maximus Bricks | 13978.97 |
| Jonkersrus Farm | 1214.3 |
| Welkom Showgrounds | 2124 |
| Harmony Gold Property | 700.35 |
| Total | 18017.62 |
(b) (i) Treatment of the waste was not possible due to the safety risks associated with separating the waste from the soil, which would be required before treatment is possible.
(ii) The majority of the waste was disposed at the Highly Hazardous (H:H) landfill facility in Gauteng, Holfontein, and a portion was also taken to the H:H landfill site in Western Cape, Vissershok.
(c) There have been a number of court appearances in relation to the criminal case against those responsible for the unlawful disposal of the waste. To date there are nine people facing charges in this case. The next court date will be 29 November 2010, during which additional parties will be added as accused in the case. It is likely that a further postponement will take place after the November date to allow the accused to obtain representation and to transfer the case to the High Court. It is hoped that the case can then be set down for trial during the second quarter of next year.
QUESTION NO 3070
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 OCTOBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 34)
3070. Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether any (a) pre-notices, (b) directives or (c) criminal charges have been laid against the Metsimaholo Municipality in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) what (a) is the date of the last inspection of any water infrastructure in this municipality by officials of her department, (b) was investigated and (c) are the (i) names and (ii) designations of the officials that conducted this inspection;
(3) in respect of each of the waste water treatment works in the municipality (a) what is the name of the waste water treatment works and (b) to what extent does it comply with the (i) design capacity and (ii) effluent standards?
(4) whether the waste water treatment works in the municipality have been assessed for the next edition of the Green Drop report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3792E
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REPLY:
(1) No, my Department has never issued pre-notices or Directives or laid any criminal charges against the Metsimaholo Local Municipality (LM) in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998.
(2)(a) On 11 and 12 August 2010.
(2)(b) The initial Green Drop on-site assessment was conducted.
(2)(c)(i)Dr Magda Ligthelm; Ms Cisca Diedericks; (ii) Dr Ligthelm's official portfolio is Director: Regulation (Northern Cape) but also serves on the National Green Drop assessors panel and conducted this assessment as Lead Assessor and Ms Cisca Diedericks serves on the National Green Drop Assessors panel.
(3) Waste Water Treatment Works in the Municipality:
| (3)(a) Name of WWTW | (3)(b)(i) Compliance with Design Capacity | (3)(b)(ii) Compliance with Effluent Standards |
| Oranjeville Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) | 0.46Ml/d plant and operates at 376% of its design capacity | 67% with microbiological limits, 60% with Chemical Limits and 72% with Physical |
| Deneysville WWTW | 2.1 Ml/d plant and is operating at an undetermined capacity due to stolen flowmeter | 67% with Microbiological; 54% Chemical and 68% with Physical Limits |
| Sasolburg Chemical Industries WWTW | 37Ml/d (Peak flow design 70.33Ml/d) and is operating at a maximum of 90% | In excess of 90% for all 3 compliance categories |
| Holly Country WWTW | Not Assessed | Not Assessed |
Holly Country was not assessed since this is private property. My Department will assess it at a later stage of the current Green Drop assessment cycle.
(4) Yes, the Green Drop assessments for the Waste Water Treatment Works in the Municipality were conducted on the 11 and 12 August 2010.
QUESTION NO 3054
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 OCTOBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 34)
3054. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to oral question 184 on 15 September 2010, the team of experts has concluded its study as mandated by the Interministerial Committee on Acid Mine Drainage; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether the panel's report will be made public; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) what are the (a) names and (b) designations of all the persons on the panel;
(4) with reference to the interministerial committee, (a) what are the (i) names and (ii) designations of all the persons who serve on the committee and (b)(i) how many times has the committee met as at the latest specified date for which information is available and (ii) on what dates? NW3774E
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REPLY:
(1) Yes, the team of experts has concluded the study on Acid Mine Drainage and made a presentation to the Inter Ministerial Committee on 21 October 2010. The team was given six weeks to do in depth investigations into the matter and had to report back comprehensively and with recommendations. Discussions between the Ministers and the team led to the team being asked to look at more options to resolve the matter as well as the cost implications of each.
(2) Yes, the report will be made available once the required information has been provided to the satisfaction of the Inter-Ministerial Committee which will in turn report back to Cabinet first, given that Cabinet sanctioned the investigation.
(3)(a)(b) The team of experts consists of the following members
| NAMES | DESIGNATION | ORGANISATION |
| Dr T Ramontja | Chief Executive Officer (Chair of CGS) | Council for Geoscience (CGS) |
| Mr F Ramagwede | Executive Manager: Applied Geosciences | CGS |
| Dr B Yibas | Geochemist | CGS |
| Dr H Coetzee | Scientist: Environmental Geoscience | CGS |
| Dr H Mengistu | Hydrogeologist | CGS |
| Ms D van Tonder | Geologist | CGS |
| Ms T Phajane | Unit Manager: Environmental Geoscience | CGS |
| Mr F Netili | Hydrogeologist | CGS |
| Ms U Rust | Sustainability Scientist | CGS |
| Prof A Thomas | Unit Manager: Central Regions | CGS |
| Dr P Wade | Geochemist | CGS |
| Dr L Lin | Geohydrologist | CGS |
| Mr PJ Hobbs | Geodrologist | CSIR |
| Dr JE Burgess | Research Manager | Water Research Commission |
| Mr M du Plessis | Engineer | Water Research Commission |
| Mr M Keet | Acting Director: Water Quality Management | Dept. of Water Affairs (DWA) |
| Mr J van Wyk | Scientific Manager | DWA |
| Mr M Morokane | Control Environmental Officer | DWA |
| Mr E van Wyk | Scientific Manager | DWA |
| Mr B Govender | Assistant Director | DWA |
| Mr S Rademeyer | Chief Engineer | DWA |
| Ms P Ugwu | Environmentalist | Dept. of Mineral Resources (DMR) |
| Prof TS MacCarthy | Geologist | Wits University |
| Prof. J Maree | Water Utilisation | Tshwane Univ. of Technology |
| Prof. G Steyl | Hydrogeologist | Univ. of Free State |
| Prof. G van Tonder | Hygdrogeologist | Univ. of Free State |
| Mr T Nell | Acting DDG | DMR |
(4)(a)(i)(ii)The following Ministers are / were part of the Interministerial Committee:
| NAMES | DESIGNATION |
| Ms B Sonjica | Former Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs |
| Ms S Shabangu | Minister of Mineral Resources |
| Mr N Pandor | Minister of Science and Tech. |
| Mr T Manuel | Minister in The Presidency |
(4)(b)(i)(ii)The Committee has met twice on 1 September 2010 and on 21 October 2010.
QUESTION NO 3024
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 OCTOBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 34)
3024. Mr. M Water (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether, with reference to the contamination of the wetlands in Bonaero Park, Kempton Park (details furnished), which is resulting in birds dying, any tests for pollution have been conducted; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will it be done; if so, (i) when were tests conducted and (ii) what were the findings;
(2) whether any action has been taken against the (a) local authority and (b) local business responsible for polluting the wetlands; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3741E
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REPLY:
(1) Yes, tests for pollution have been conducted.
(1)(a) Falls away.
(1)(b)(i) My Department conducted the water quality test on the 2 November 2010.
(1)(b)(ii) The results will to be released end of November 2010.
(2)(a) Yes, a pre-directive and a directive dated 23 November 2009 and 16 February 2010 were issued respectively to Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (MM) in terms of section 19 (3) of the National Water Act, 1998 ( Act No. 36 of 1998) to cease any source of pollution and remedy the impacted wetland.
(2)(b) Based on the investigations undertaken by my Department the pollution in Bonaero Park is not associated with any business activity in the area rather sewer overflow from the Ekurhuleni MM pump station, therefore no action was taken against the local business.
QUESTION NO 2930
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 22 OCTOBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32)
2930. Mr. G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) whether, with reference to her reply to question 387 on 10 March 2010, the water monitoring results are being released regularly; if not, why not; if so, (a) to which organisations and persons are the results released and (b) what are the further relevant details;
(2) whether any progress has been made in respect of (a) rehabilitating the site, (b) fencing the site and (c) installing warning signs in isiZulu; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether she has been informed that on 8 August 2010 there were fires on four of the waste pits; if so, what steps has she taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur; if not;
(4) whether she will investigate the incident; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3620E
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REPLY:
(1)(a) The water monitoring results are being released, on an infrequent basis to the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality (MM)'s Department of Environmental Health.
(1)(b) The last results obtained in February 2010 indicate that there is no impact on the surface or ground water. No change in the water quality has been detected since the February monitoring.
(2)(a) No further rehabilitation work has been done.
(2)(b) The site is not yet fenced. The fencing is still on the tendering process for the erection of concrete palisade fencing.
(2)(c) The signs in isiZulu have been installed.
3) Yes, the fire accident was reported to my Department through the Regional Office: KwaZulu-Natal by the eThekwini MM Fire Department which also monitor the site on a regular basis. It should be noted that fires on the site do not occur frequently. The site will to be monitored continuously by the eThekwini MM Fire Department officials.
(4) Yes, the incident was investigated by officials from my Department and eThekwini MM Fire Department and a Weber Tree Felling company was appointed to expose the fire. This was completed on the 11 August 2010 to the satisfaction of the Fire Department.
QUESTION NO 2905
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 22 OCTOBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32)
2905. Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether a notice of intention to issue a directive has been issued to Ngwathe Local Municipality since her reply to question 2741 on 5 October 2010; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3594E
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REPLY:
(1) Yes. A notice of intention to issue a directive was issued to the Ngwathe Local Municipality on 19 October 2010. The intended directive will require the Municipality to contain any sewage that may pose a risk to the Vaal River, respond to all concerns raised by the Department in previous communications and submit a remediation plan addressing measures to improve the discharge quality and general operations and maintenance at the Parys Waste Water Treatment Works.
QUESTION NO 2901
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 22 OCTOBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32)
2901. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1695 on 24 June 2010, any progress has been made with the implementation of a policy to eliminate or reduce phosphorus in detergents; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any timelines have been determined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3590E
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REPLY:
(1) No, my Department does not have a policy to eliminate or reduce phosphorus in detergents.
The Water Research Commission (WRC) has funded and completed research into this topic in the form of Project K5/1768: Investigation of the positive and negative consequences associated with the introduction of zero-phosphate detergent. This project was started in 2007 and completed early this year (2010) and the full report can be obtained from the WRC website. My department still needs to engage with the WRC on the results of this study and the possible effects on the eutrophication of some of our dams.
(2) There are no definite timelines set for the development of this policy. As per the recommendations in the WRC Project K5/1768 suggest engagement with detergent manufacturers which will be a quick process. It will also be necessary that in spite of the possible benefits to the environment, the replacement costs of phosphate in commonly used household detergents should be investigated especially the possibility of products such as soaps and washing powders becoming more expensive to poor communities.
QUESTION NO. 2899. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 30 NW3588EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 22 October 2010
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether any internal policy document or memo of her department advances the cause for experimental and commercial fishing in the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether her department intends allowing fishing of any kind in the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) why was the decision made and (b) for what period is it expected to remain in effect;
(3) whether the opinion of stakeholders in entities under the Department of Environmental Affairs and in the scientific community were consulted regarding this decision; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether she remains committed to using marine protected areas for the conservation of marine species; if not, why not; if so, how is this reconciled with fishing in the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area?
Mr GR Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2899. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) There is no formal internal policy which advances the opening of the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area (MPA) for experimental and commercial fishing. There have been various engagements with the local community members at their request, with regards to possible options for access to the MPA for limited recreational fishing, which options the Department has in the past considered.
(2) No decision has been taken to allow fishing in the MPA. Any proposals or requests received by the Department would have to be carefully evaluated and all options properly considered including a comprehensive consultation process with other affected organs of state and the public in general.
(3) Any future decision relating to fishing in the Tsitsikamma MPA would necessitate a consultation process with these and other stakeholders prior to such decision.
(4) MPAs are an important tool in achieving the protection of all marine species, ecosystems, and marine biodiversity generally. This is evidenced by the Department's commitment to expanding its network of coastal MPAs and declaring offshore MPAs in the future as contemplated in the National Protected Area Expansion Strategy. However the Department is also committed to reviewing existing MPAs and their zonation to determine if they are still achieving the purpose for which they were declared and balancing their protection function with impacts and limited access of local communities.
QUESTION NO 2871
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 OCTOBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31)
2871. Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether she has been informed that the water treatment plant at Brits is failing and that the local community has to buy bottled water due to the unclean and poor water quality; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what measures has she put in place to remedy this situation and (b) how can the process of fixing or replacing the water treatment plant be expedited? NW3554E
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REPLY:
(1) Yes, my Department has been informed that the water treatment plant at Brits is failing and that the local community has to buy bottled water due to the unclean and poor water quality.
1(a) The Madibeng Local Municipality is tankering portable water which meets the acceptable Drinking Water Quality Standard to the affected communities until the quality of water is been restored.
1(b) My Department has allocated R105, 9 million for 2010/11 to 2012/13 financial years through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant Programme, to upgrade the plant and is in the process of appointing Magalies Water as an implementing agent to undertake the process of refurbishing or replacing the water treatment plant.
QUESTION NO 2853
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 OCTOBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31)
2853. Dr C P Mulder (VF Plus) vra die Minister van Waterwese en Omgewingsake:
(1) Of haar departement sedert die boekjaar 2004-05 van enige konsultante gebruik gemaak het; so ja, (a) hoeveel (i) konsultante, en (ii) konsultantmaatskappye in elke boekjaar gebruik is, (b) wat hul name in elke geval is, (c) watter bedrae in elke boekjaar aan elke (i) konsultant en (ii) konsultantmaatskappy betaal is en (d) wie die direkteure van die onderskeie konsultantmaatskappye is wat haar departement sedert die boekjaar 2004-05 gebruik het;
(2) of enige van die konsultante en konsultantmaatskappye voorheen in diens van die (a) Departement van Waterwese of (b) Departement van Omgewingsake en Toerisme was; so ja, (i) wie die persone is, (ii) waarom hulle die diens van dié departemente in elke geval verlaat het en (iii) wat die salarisskaal van elke vermelde persoon was toe hy of sy die diens van haar departement verlaat het? NW3536A
2853. Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:†
(1) Whether her department has made use of any consultants since the 2004-2005 financial year; if so, (a) how many (i) consultants and (ii) consultancies were used in each financial year, (b) what were their names in each case, (c) what amounts were paid in each financial year to each (i) consultant and (ii) consultancy and (d) who are the directors of the various consultancies that her department has made use of since the 2004-05 financial year;
(2) whether any of the consultants and consultancies were formerly in the employ of (a) the Department of Water Affairs or (b) the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism; if so, (i) who are these persons, (ii) why did they leave the employ of these respective departments and (iii) what was the salary scale of each specified person at the time that he or she left the employ of her department? NW3536E
The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:†
(1)(a)(i) Yes. It should be noted that my Department is a service department that regulates functions across national departments and municipalities.
(1)(a)(ii) During the financial year 2004/05, my Department appointed 41 consultancies.
(1)(b) Refer to Annexure A
(1)(c)(i) During the 2004/05 financial year, a total of R 60 682 433.52 was paid to consultants amounting to 1.84% of the total budget amount of R 3 302 144 000.00.
(1)(c)(ii) Refer to Annexure A
(1)(d) Refer to Annexure A
(2)(a) Yes, only one (1) Director from a company called South African Associations of Water Utilities (SAAWU) was employed by my Department.
(2)(b)(i) Mr L. M. Sithole.
(2)(b)(ii) He resigned from my Department on 31 December 2004.
(2)(b)(iii) R 511 095.00 per annum as at 31 December 2004.
QUESTION NO 2850
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 OCTOBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31)
2850. Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether her department has issued any print, radio or television advertisements for the Women in Water Awards; if not, why not; if so, what (a) were the costs of placing such advertisements in each case and (b) was the purpose of these advertisements;
(2) whether the advertisements provide any details about the Women in Water Awards; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3533E
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REPLY:
(1) (a) My Department has indeed issued print, radio and television advertisements for the Women in Water Awards 2010. The costs of placing such adverts are as follows;
· Print media: Adverts amounted to R267 995.09
· Radio: Adverts amounted to R504 712.97 for three consecutive phases
· Television: Adverts amounted to R105 165.00
· Total cost for print, radio and television adverts = R877 873.06
(1) (b) The purpose of placing the adverts was threefold, namely
· The first adverts were to inform the public about the Women in Water Awards 2010 (WWA 2010), and the process which commenced. The public in general was encouraged to nominate women led projects for the awards according to the criteria provided. Links were provided for the nomination forms with all the details including the closing date.
· The second adverts were aimed at informing the public about the extension of the closing date as women projects from the deep rural areas were targeted. Communities were really urged to actively participate in time before the closing date. This was intended to also keep the WWA 2010 in momentum.
· The last phase of the adverts informed the public about the closure of the WWA 2010 nominations and the process to follow thereafter, relating to the adjudication, verification process of the short-listed women projects and information relating to the main event ceremony
(2) (a) All the adverts provided details about the Women in Water Awards 2010 which emphasized the role that should be played by women in communities in respect of Water Demand Management and Conservation. In summary, the adverts informed the public about Women in Water Awards (WWA) 2010. More importantly, the WWA 2010 was used as a platform to promote water conservation and demand management and also water as women's issue. (e.g. water wise campaign, prevention of water leaks, water and poverty and lastly water and gender)
QUESTION NO. 2830 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31 NW3511EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 October 2010
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether she was involved in the decision made by the SA National Parks (SANParks) to withdraw from a joint application with the City of Cape Town for an interdict to remove structures that were built on a firebreak in Hangberg; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, (a) why did SANParks withdraw from a joint application in this regard and (b) what are the further relevant details;
(2) whether she or her office received any representation on this issue from Cosatu; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mr G R Morgan (DA)
SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2830. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) No.
(a) SANParks, supported by its board, took a decision to withdraw from the case because (i) the dispute primarily arose from lack of housing and land for the Hangberg community and this is a matter within the competence and mandate of the City of Cape Town rather than a biodiversity matter; (ii) the City of Cape Town was the deponent to the founding affidavit upon which the entire court action is based; (iii) SANParks believed too that it is appropriate to create a climate of negotiations among the parties first in order to achieve an amicable resolution before resorting to eviction. This is a requirement of the law to first engage illegal occupiers in seeking a solution before evicting them.
(b) The decision of withdrawal from the case by SANParks has been vindicated by the ruling of the Cape High Court which ordered the parties involved in the dispute to revert to negotiations and return to the Court on 29th November 2010 with a possible resolution of the dispute.
(2) No. No relevant details.
QUESTION NO 2828
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 OCTOBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31)
2828. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the towns of (a) Mtubatuba and (b) St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal have been experiencing any problems with shortage of supply of potable water; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) what efforts are being made to ensure that these towns have a sustainable supply of potable water and (ii) what are the further relevant details? NW3509E
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REPLY:
(1) Yes, Mtubatuba and St Lucia towns are currently experiencing severe problems with a shortage of water due to drying up of the Mfolozi River as their main source of supply caused by the drought over the catchment. It should be recorded that large parts of KwaZulu-Natal province have experienced less than 75% of the average annual long term rainfall over the past six to seven years resulting in underground water sources and smaller rivers drying up.
(1)(i) My Department is supporting the Water Services Authority (WSA), UMkhanyakude District Municipality responsible for the area to remedy the situation for both towns through the following;
· The provision of funds of R110 million from the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant to augment the abstraction of water from the Mfolozi River.
· The development of a new borehole field in the area of the treatment works.
· The increased capacity of the treatment works
· The construction of additional storage reservoirs and a new bulk distribution pipeline to connect the works at Mtubatuba to St Lucia towns which will also serve the rural settlements at Dukuduku along the route.
The scheme will be completed by the WSA with the support of the Mhlathuze Water Board by December 2011.
(1)(ii) The drilling and equipping of the borehole field will be accelerated to be completed by January 2011 and concurrently with a water loss reduction management intervention the situation will be significantly improved.
QUESTION NO 2827
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 OCTOBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31)
2827. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether there is (a) a review under way of the South African National Standard, 241 (Sans) drinking water and (b) any (i) policy or (ii) intention by the department to weaken the provisions of national drinking water standards; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, in each case, (aa) how was this conclusion reached and (bb) what are the further relevant details? NW3508E
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REPLY:
(1)(a) Yes. The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) as the custodian of all standards has commenced with a review process of the SANS 241 (Drinking Water Standard).
(1)(b)(i) There is no policy in place to weaken the standards.
(1)(b)(ii) There is also no intention to weaken the standards.
(1)(aa) There is neither a policy nor an intention to weaken standards.
(1)(bb) Our request for the review was to ensure that the standard is more in line with the limits suggested by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHO recently revised the international drinking water guidelines to ensure that a more risk-based approach is adopted and my Department (as a key member of the SANS 241 committee), is fully supportive of this process. The revised standards will be available for public comment from the SABS during the first half of 2011.
QUESTION NO. 2826 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31 NW3507EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 October 2010
Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the hunting licence of a certain person (name furnished) has been suspended since his arrest in September 2010 in Limpopo on charges of rhino poaching; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether the hunting licence of the said person's hunting business has been suspended; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mr M J Ellis (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2826. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) No, the person's hunting license was not suspended because the person has not been convicted.
(2) No the hunting licence of the said person's hunting business has not been suspended because the person has not been convicted.
QUESTION NO. 2825 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31 NW3506EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 October 2010
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether her department has provided all the necessary tools and applications to the different spheres of government to allow for the implementation of the atmospheric emission licensing process as published in Government Gazette no 220 dated 26 March 2010; if not, why not; if so, what (a) tools and applications were provided and (b) steps have been taken in each of the provincial governments to ensure that the new applications and tools are being implemented?
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2825. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act No. 39 of 2004, "the AQA") itself provides all the necessary regulatory tools, applications and mandates required by the new Licensing Authorities (provincial departments and metropolitan and district municipalities) to implement the atmospheric emission licensing process that came into effect on 1 April 2010. For example, Chapter 5 of the AQA provides very clear details on, among others, who the Licensing Authorities are (Section 36), how license applications must be made (Section 37), the procedures to be followed in respect of licence applications (Section 38), the factors to be taken into account by licensing authorities when considering applications (Section 39), how and when the licensing authority must make a decision (Section 40), what must happen with successful applications (Section 41) and what should be included in an atmospheric emission licence (Section 43). Furthermore, the AQA reiterates the mandate of the new licensing authorities to, among others, develop their own application forms that are specifically tailored to their needs (Section 37(1)) and to prescribe and charge a processing fee to cover their individual processing costs (Section 37(3)(a)).
Notwithstanding the above, in the interest of supporting the new licensing authorities in the efficient and effective implementation of the atmospheric emission licensing regime as well as fostering high-quality implementation and service delivery consistency nation-wide, the department has developed numerous resources aimed at achieving this end. These include, among others:
· The Atmospheric Emission Licensing Manual – a manual that was developed and work-shopped with the new licensing authorities, distributed to all licensing authorities in October 2009 and formed the basis for an intensive licensing authority training programme conducted during 2008 and 2009;
· The Air Quality Management Planning Manual – a manual that was developed and work-shopped with the new licensing authorities, launched by the Deputy-Minister and distributed to all licensing authorities in October 2008 and formed the basis for an intensive licensing authority training programme conducted during 2007 and 2008;
· Licensing fee calculator and protocol – a tool that has been made available on the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS.org) for over 12 months aimed at promoting consistency in the charging of fees;
· Example formats – including draft Atmospheric Emission Licence application forms and Atmospheric Emission Licences formats published in the Gazette;
· Model Air Quality Management By-laws - Generic municipal air quality management by-laws for easy adaptation or adoption by municipalities published in the Gazette;
· Generic Provincial-Municipal Atmospheric Emission Licensing delegations - As dedicated air quality management capacity is not expected in municipalities where there are very few (During the October 2010 Annual Air Quality Governance Lekgotla that involved Air Quality Officers from all spheres of government and that focused specifically on the licensing function, the utility of these resources was confirmed by the licensing authorities and the department re-committed itself to the continuation of the development of these and other resources.
QUESTION NO. 2824 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31 NW3505EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 October 2010
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether any action has been taken against a certain person (name furnished) by (a) her department or (b) the Limpopo department of conservation for the exporting of an illegally hunted leopard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) since 1 January 2006, (a) how many hunting permits have been granted to (i) the said person or (ii) any hunting operation owned by this person and (b) what type of animals were permitted to be legally hunted for each permit;
(3) whether her department has any system in place to track the number of hunting permits given to specific persons across provinces; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether her department has any provisions to force the blacklisting of hunters who transgress any prescribed hunting condition attached to permits and export licences; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2824. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) (a) No (b) Yes, the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism opened a case docket and it is being investigated by the South African Police Service. Due to the status of the investigation, no further details can be made available at this point in time.
(2) (a) (i) Information related to this matter is only available since 2008. Thirty nine (39) permits to hunt have been issued in the person's name. (ii) The 39 permits referred to in (i) include permits issued to the person in his capacity as a hunting outfitter. (b) Baboon, Vervet monkey, White rhino, African wild cat, African civet cat, Yellowbilled hornbill, Tsessebe, Roan antelope, Common reedbuck, Serval, Sharpe's grysbok, African elephant.
(3) No, the Department currently only collates professional hunting statistics (hunting by overseas clients) and has a database of hunters involved in the hunting of white rhino. In terms of the norms and standards for the marking of rhinoceros horn and the hunting of White rhinoceros for trophy hunting purposes, all applications for the hunting of rhino received by the issuing authorities must be referred to the Directorate: Regulation and Monitoring Services at the Department for recommendation and the Department is therefore able to compile a database for hunters involved in the hunting of White rhino. The Department has initiated the process to develop a national electronic permitting system that will improve information management and monitoring capabilities.
(4) No, the transgression of a permit condition is a punishable offence and the permit holder must be criminally prosecuted. The Department is in the process of developing hunting regulations that will nationalise and standardise the regulation of the professional hunting industry and will prevent professional hunters from operating in any province if convicted of an offence in one province.
QUESTION NO. 2823. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31 NW3504EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 October 2010
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) With reference to South Africa's hosting of the 17th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2011, (a) what is the projected cost that (i) the Government, (ii) the designated host city and (iii) the relevant provincial government will be expected to cover for hosting the event and (b) how were these figures calculated;
(2) what will the (a) designated host city and (b) the Government be expected to provide in order to host the event successfully?
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2823. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
1.(a) (i) ZAR300 million
(ii) 25% of base cost
(iii) unclear, since corporate and donor funding will be sourced
(b) the host city was chosen following an evaluation of proposals submitted by Ethekwini Municipality, the City of Cape Town and the City of Johannesburg and the costings were based on the UNFCCC specifications and also on an assessment of costings derived from previous conferences and quotations
2.(a) Venue, Security (Metro), Transport, Marketing & Promotion
(b) United Nations costs, security services, accreditation, administration and logistics
QUESTION NO. 2822. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31 NW3503EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 October 2010
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(a) How many (i) white and (ii) black rhinos have been sold by SANParks to private entities or persons since 1 January 2007, (b) who bought the rhinos in each case, (c) what amount was paid with regard to each specified sale and (d) how many rhinos were included in each specified transaction?
Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2822. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
a) (i) and (ii), (b), (c and (d) answers are attached
Question No. 2765
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 30 NW3441E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 September 2010
Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) What is the licensing status in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, Act No. 59 of 2008, of each landfill site in Gauteng;
(2) Whether the owner of each landfill site that is not correctly licensed has submitted a licence application; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, when can it be expected that a licence will be issued in each case;
(3) Whether a risk assessment has been conducted on each landfill site in Gauteng to determine possible threats to water courses; if not, why; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) Whether any action has been taken against any owner of landfill site in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008); if not, why not, if so, what are the details?
Mr. I O Davidson (DA)
SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPER OFFICE
PRESS
2765. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) In terms of section 43 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008), the Minister is the Competent Authority for all Hazardous waste management facilities (Landfill sites) and the MEC's for Environment are the Competent Authorities for all General Waste Management facilities (landfill sites) in their respective Provinces. All hazardous waste landfill sites in Gauteng are licenced.
(2) No hazardous waste landfill site is not correctly (operating without a licence) licenced in Gauteng and therefore no application for licencing of a hazardous landfill site has been received.
(3) External Audit reports that include risk assessments are submitted to the Department as per the licences condition and there has been no threat reported to water courses.
(4) No action has been taken against owners of hazardous waste landfill sites in Gauteng because nothing warrants action to be taken.
In conclusion, any questions that relate to general waste landfill sites must be directed to the respective Provincial Department of Environment because they are the competent authority with regard to General waste management (section 43 of the Waste Act).
QUESTION NO. 2764. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 30 NW3440EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 September 2010
Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) (a) How many incidents in which tourists on trail excursions have been injured or killed have occurred in parks run by SA National Parks (SANParks) since 1 January 2008 and (b) in each case, (i) what is the name of the park, (ii) on what date did the incident occur, (iii) how many tourists were injured or killed, (iv) how many SANParks rangers led the excursion and (v) what species of animal was involved;
(2) whether SANParks has a system in place to ensure the proper evaluation and testing of candidates for appointment to ranger positions; if not, why not; if so, what type of testing are candidates subjected to;
(3) whether SANParks requires specific qualifications for rangers who conduct trail excursions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether SANParks has found any unsuitable applicant among the applicants who applied for ranger positions that include the duty of conducting trail excursions and simultaneous supervision and care of tourists; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) whether any rangers who have led excursions during which tourists were attacked by an animal are currently in the employ of SANParks; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mr I O Davidson (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2764. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) (a) Since 01 January 2008, SANParks conducted 594 989 activities across national parks (excluding self-guided walks and activities). The most incidents occurred in national parks where walks are self-guided and where wild animals are not a threat to guests. The most incidents in this category were as a result of accidents relating to rugged terrain, eg mountaineering, swimming and related activities.
(b) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) Please see the table below containing responses as per question.
| (i) Name of park | (ii) Date of incident | (iii) Number of injured or killed tourists | (iv) Number of Rangers | (v) Animal involved |
| Addo Elephant National Park | 17/02/2010 | One injured | One | No wild animal involved – fall from horse |
| 17/06/2010 | One injured | One | ||
| Garden Route National Park | Various | 26 incidents (23 injuries & 3 deaths) | Unguided Trails | No wild animal involved |
| Kruger National Park | 10/04/2009 | Two injured | Two | Hippo Bull |
| Mountain Zebra National Park | 18/10/ 2008 | One injured | Self-guided Trails | Buffalo Bull |
| 18/01/2009 | One injured | |||
| 12/07/2010 | One killed, three injured | |||
| Table Mountain National Park | Various | 24 incidents (16 injuries & 8 deaths) | Self-guided Trails | No wild animal involved |
(2) Yes, national parks where guides accompany guests on activities have the following selection process for guide positions:
o Guide vacancies are advertised according to Human Resources procedures
o Applicants are short listed according to the minimum requirements for the specific job
o A candidate must have all the necessary qualifications & certifications to qualify for an interview
o All certificates and qualifications included in the curriculum vitae must have been ratified by a Commissioner of Oath to ensure authenticity
o The best candidates are interviewed, after a 'selection' practical
o The selection practical is conducted prior to the interview so that a clear picture of the individual's capabilities in the bush can be assessed
o The candidates are assessed in conjunction with Human Resources and the relevant supervisor. This assessment includes the following:
o 1st rifle guide position (senior guide):
§ The candidate must take the assessor and Human Resources representative on a walk to be assessed on approaching dangerous game and interpretation and communication skills.
§ The candidate must exhibit an advanced level of firearm competency (on a shooting range)
o Back-up rifle position:
§ The candidate must take the assessor and Human Resources representative on a drive to be assessed on interpretation, communication and driving skills.
§ The candidate must take the assessor and Human Resources representative on a walk to be assessed on approaching dangerous game.
§ The candidate must exhibit at least basic rifle handling competency but preferably an advanced level of firearm competency (on a shooting range).
§ Following the 'selection' practical, an assessment report is drafted for the interview panel
§ The candidates are interviewed
§ Once the candidate has been appointed, he/she must work for a minimum of a week with another guide in an equivalent position so as to familiarize himself/herself with the relevant park before guiding tourists.
(3) Yes, for guides accompanying guests in national parks with dangerous game, the following requirements apply:
Field Guide
• THETA Nature Site Guide (Dangerous Game Area) TGD/NSGDGm/2/0030 NQF Level 2 certificate (must include View Potentially Dangerous Game Unit Standard)
• SASSETA Unit Standard 10750 (pre 2008) or Unit Standards 123519, 119651 & 117705 (post 2008) Certification
• Proof of application for SAPS (South African Police Service) Firearm Competency Card (preferable to have the actual Firearm Competency Card as issued by the SAPS)
Senior Field Guide
• THETA Nature Site Guide (Dangerous Game Area) TGD/NSGDGm/4/0037 NQF Level 4 certificate (must include View Potentially Dangerous Game Unit Standard)
• SASSETA Unit Standard 10750 (pre 2008) or Unit Standards 123519, 119651 & 117705 (post 2008) Certification
• Proof of application for SAPS (South African Police Service) Firearm Competency Card (preferable to have the actual Firearm Competency Card as issued by the SAPS)
• Valid KNP Advanced Firearm Proficiency
Head Guide
• THETA Nature Site Guide (Dangerous Game Area) TGD/NSGDGm/4/0037 NQF Level 4 certificate (must include View Potentially Dangerous Game Unit Standard)
• Tertiary Qualification in aligned field (e.g. National Diploma in Nature Conservation or Eco Tourism)
• SASSETA Unit Standard 10750 (pre 2008) or Unit Standards 123519, 119651 & 117705 (post 2008) Certification
• Proof of application for SAPS (South African Police Service) Firearm Competency Card (preferable to have the actual Firearm Competency Card as issued by the SAPS)
• Valid KNP Advanced Firearm Proficiency
Assistant Wilderness Trails Ranger
• THETA Nature Site Guide (Dangerous Game Area) TGD/NSGDGm/2/0030 NQF Level 2 certificate (must include View Potentially Dangerous Game Unit Standard)
• SASSETA Unit Standard 10750 (pre 2008) or Unit Standards 123519, 119651 & 117705 (post 2008) Certification
• Proof of application for SAPS (South African Police Service) Firearm Competency Card (preferable to have the actual Firearm Competency Card as issued by the SAPS)
• Valid KNP Intermediate Firearm Proficiency
Wilderness Trails Ranger
• THETA Nature Site Guide (Dangerous Game Area) TGD/NSGDGm/4/0037 NQF Level 4 certificate (must include View Potentially Dangerous Game Unit Standard)
• Tertiary Qualification in aligned field (e.g. National Diploma in Nature Conservation)
• SASSETA Unit Standard 10750 (pre 2008) or Unit Standards 123519, 119651 & 117705 (post 2008) Certification
• Proof of application for SAPS (South African Police Service) Firearm Competency Card (preferable to have the actual Firearm Competency Card as issued by the SAPS)
• Valid KNP Advanced Firearm Proficiency
(4) Yes, SANParks has found unsuitable applicants and they have not been considered for these positions. However, there are a number of guides employed in the national parks that are on a development programme in order to meet the minimum requirements before accompanying guests on trails and walks.
(5) Yes, some of these guides are in SANParks employ. The relevant details requested are not clear and the background of the incidents are provided as follows:
· Metsi-Metsi Trail, 10 October 2008, a lioness attacked a group of trailists. The lioness was shot and wounded by the trails ranger, who was mauled by the lioness. No tourists were injured. The Trails Ranger was redeployed out of guiding on his request.
· Pretoriuskop Day Walk, 10 October 2008, a white rhino cow and calf charged a group of tourists and the cow was shot and died 100m from the group. No one was injured during the incident. The senior field guide is still currently employed as a senior field guide.
· Crocodile Bridge Day Walk, 10 April 2009, a hippo bull charged a group of tourists from a pool in the Vurhami Spruit. The guides could not stop the charge of the animal. No shots were fired. Two tourists were injured. The one guide is still employed as a senior field guide.
· Phalaborwa Gate, 24 January 2010, an elephant bull charged a group of tourists on a morning walk along the Thutsi spruit. The 1st rifle field guide shot and killed the elephant. No one was injured during the incident. The guide is still currently employed as a senior manager.
· Mopani Day Walk, 03 April 2010, a white rhino bull charged a group of tourists on a morning walk along the Kaleka spruit. The 1st rifle guide shot and killed the rhino. No one was injured during the incident. The guide is still currently employed as a senior field guide.
· Pretoriuskop Day Walk, 22 August 2010, a Black Rhino charged a group of tourists on a morning walk close to Mlaleni koppie. The 1st rifle guide shot and wounded the rhino. No one was injured during the incident. The guide is still currently employed as a head guide.
· Mphongolo Back Pack Trail, 23 August 2010, a buffalo bull charged a group of tourists on a back pack trail along the Bububu spruit. The 1st rifle guide shot and killed the buffalo. No one was injured during the incident. The guide is still currently employed as a freelance field guide.
QUESTION NO 2749
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 30)
2749. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) When does she anticipate the release of the next Green Drop report to the public;
(2) whether assessments of the wastewater treatment works (WWTW) for inclusion in the next Green Drop report have been concluded; if not, why not; if so, (a) how (i) many WWTWs are being assessed for inclusion in the next Green Drop report and (ii) does this number differ from the number of WWTWs assessed in the previous report and (b) what are the further relevant details? NW3421E
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REPLY:
(1) My Department will be ready to release the next Green Drop report during the financial year 2011-2012
(2) No, the assessments of Waste Water Systems have not been concluded. Only 30% of the task required to complete the assessment has been completed.
(2)(a)(i) 600 Waste Water Treatment Systems are to be assessed.
(2)(a)(ii) Yes, previously 449 systems were assessed.
(b) This is an improvement on the previous cycle.
QUESTION NO 2748
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 30)
2748. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
With reference to her reply to question 1825 on 14 June 2010, (a) what is the total amount of money owed to her department by each (i) local municipality, (ii) metropolitan municipality and (iii) district municipality in respect of water purchased directly from her department and (b) what portion of the total outstanding amount represents (i) current and (ii) arrear debt? NW3420E
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REPLY:
As of 31 August 2010
(a)(i) The total amount of money owed to my Department by Local Municipalities is R856 137 191.30. Refer to Annexure A attached.
(a)(ii) The total amount of money owed to my Department by Metropolitan Municipalities is –R 8 554 086.26. Refer to Annexure B attached.
(a)(iii) The total amount of money owed to my Department by District Municipalities is R202 124 268.83. Refer to Annexure C attached.
(b)(i)
and
(b)(ii) Below is a Table highlighting the Total Current and Arrear Debt for Local, Metropolitan and District Municipalities as of 31 August 2010.
|
| |||
| Municipality | Total Debt | (b)(i) Current Debt | (b)(ii) Arrear Debt |
| Local Municipalities | 856 137 191.30 | 44 502 502.46 | 811 634 688.84 |
| Metropolitan Municipalities | -8 554 086.26 | -8 921 149.16 | |
| District Municipalities | 202 124 268.83 | 20 621 726.60 | 181 502 542.23 |
| Grand Total | 1 049 707 373.87 | 65 124 229.06 | 993 137 231.07 |
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 September 2010
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether a health risk assessment is being conducted on the effects of air quality on the local population of St Helena Bay; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is being tested for, (b) how many air samples have thus far been taken and (c) on what days were these samples taken;
(2) whether the fish factories allegedly responsible for the poor air quality were informed of the testing before the testing took place; if not, why not; if so, how can this be justified;
(3) (a) how much fish was on site at the factories and (b) in what state of decay was the fish at the time of the testing?
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2746. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) A human health risk assessment is being conducted in St Helena Bay.
(a) Hydrogen sulphide is measured in all fish processing plants and formaldehyde in only those plants that add formaldehyde in their process. Trimethylamine will be modelled from emission factors for all plants.
(b) 16 hydrogen sulphide and 16 formaldehyde samples have been taken to date. Sampling is still continuing.
(c) Samples were taken from the 16th to the 20th August 2010.
(2) The fish processing plants were notified about the sampling programme prior to sampling. Sampling can only be done when the plants are in operation and this is dependent on the availability of fish. It is reported that sometimes the plants can go for weeks without fish and it is for this reason that the plants have to confirm the availability of fish prior to consultants finalising their travelling arrangements to avoid unfruitful expenditure on transport and accommodation costs. In addition, sampling is done on various location most of which are not safe and in some cases holes have to be drilled on stacks to allow sampling probes to be inserted in the stacks. The fish processing plants have therefore to be notified prior to sampling to assist in making the sampling areas conducive for sampling.
(3) (a) The quantity of fish ranged from 11 to 23 tons.
(b) There is a standard test called Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen (TVBN) which is used by the industries to measure the state of decay of fish. The results already received indicated a TVBN of 96-94 (25 to 30 indicate fresh fish, and 100 and above indicate old/stale fish). We are still awaiting other results from the laboratory.
QUESTION NO 2745
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 30)
2745. Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the Bethal Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) in the Govan Mbeki local municipality is experiencing any problems in its operations; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any action in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, has been taken by her department against the municipality that runs this WWTW; if not, why not; if so, (a) what action, (b) when was the action taken and (c) what has been the response of the municipality? NW3417E
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REPLY:
(1) Yes. Below are lists of problems experienced by the Bethal Wastewater Treatment Works:
· Insufficient financial provision particularly in the municipality's budget;
· Non functional pumpstations;
· Cable theft;
· Lack of human capacity; and
· Overloaded treatment works.
(2) Yes, my Department has taken actions by issuing a notice of non-compliance against the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality in terms of the National water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
(2)(a) The Govan Mbeki Local Municipality has been issued with a notice of non-compliance and a report is awaited regarding the corrective action to be taken.
(2)(b) The notice of non-compliance was issued on 13 September 2010.
(2)(c) A response from the municipality is due on 01 October 2010, which will then guide my Department on the further steps to be taken to resolve the matter.
QUESTION NO 2743
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 30)
2743. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the Tweespruit Waste Water Treatment Works has a licence to operate; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether a pre-directive in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, has been issued against the Mantsopa Local Municipality for problems at the Tweespruit Waste Water Treatment Works; if not, why not; if so; (a) what led her department to issue the pre-directive, (b) on what date was the pre-directive issued, (c) what is the (i) name and (ii) designation of the official who issued the directive, (d) what is the municipality expected to do in terms of the pre-directive, (e) by when is it expected to take this action and (f) up to the latest specified date for which information is available, what steps has the municipality taken in response to the pre-directive? NW3415E
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REPLY:
(1) No, the Tweespruit Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) has no license as no application was received from the municipality. However the WWTW has been registered by the Mantsopa Local Municipality (LM), registration number 23002108.
(2) Yes, a pre-directive was issued to the Mantsopa LM for problems at the WWTW on 2 September 2010.
(2)(a) The pre-directive was issued due to complaints received with regard to sewage running from the WWTW into the neighbouring property. An inspection was carried out on 18 August 2010 and confirmed that the sewage was running onto the neighbouring property.
(2)(b) A pre-directive was issued on 2 September 2010.
(2)(c)(i) Mr Tseliso Ntili.
(2)(c)(ii) Regional Head: Free State.
(2)(d) On 27 September 2010, the Mantsopa LM submitted an action plan on how they intend to resolve all the problems of the WWTW.
(2)(e) The implementation of an action plan started on the 27 September 2010.
(2)(f) The Mantsopa LM started with the cleaning and removal of settled sludge. My Department will continue monitoring the implementation of an action plan.
QUESTION NO 2741
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 30)
2741. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether any (a) pre-directive, (b) directive or (c) criminal charge has been laid against the Ngwathe Municipality in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether this municipality has been pumping untreated or partially treated sewage into the Vaal River; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether the municipality informed her department of this action; if not, what action will be taken against the municipality for this omission; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) what (a) are the dates on which the municipality pumped untreated or partially treated sewage into the Vaal River and (b) is the estimated number of mega litres that was pumped in total;
(5) (a) what are the dates of the last three inspections by officials from her department of the treatment works from which the pumping of partially treated or untreated sewage into the Vaal River has been occurring and (b) in each case, what are the (i) names and (ii) designations of officials that conducted these inspections? NW3413E
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REPLY:
(1)(a) No pre-directive has been issued by my Department against the Ngwathe Local Municipality (LM). The results from the latest inspection conducted by my Department on 21 September 2010 did not indicate any untreated sewage discharges into the Vaal River.
(1)(b) Falls away.
(1)(c) Falls away.
(2) No; as indicated in paragraph (1)(a), the latest results of the final effluent which is discharged into the Vaal River shows compliance to the General effluent Standard.
(3) Falls away.
(4)(a) Falls away.
(4)(b) Falls away.
(5)(a) The treatment works was inspected on 21 July 2010, 25 August 2010 and
21 September 2010.
(5)(b)(i) Ms Portia Chawane.
(5)(b)(ii) Ms Portia Chawane is a Water Pollution Control Officer.
QUESTION NO 2671
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 29)
2671. Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) (a) How many staff members in the Department of Water Affairs are assigned (i) exclusively to (aa) compliance and (bb) enforcement and (ii) to a combination of compliance and enforcement and (b) what is the breakdown of these staff numbers at (i) national office level and (ii) the regional office level;
(2) what is (a) the name, designation and office allocation of each staff member in the Department of Water Affairs who works in the field of compliance and enforcement, (b) the nature of their jobs in each case and (c) their highest educational qualification in each case;
(3) whether any staff of the Department of Water Affairs have undergone training as environmental management inspectors as administrated by the Department of Environmental Affairs; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether there are any vacancies in the field of compliance and enforcement in the Department of Water Affairs (a) at national office level and (b) in the regional offices; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) whether she intends to increase the number of staff who work in the field of compliance and enforcement in the next financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3331E
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REPLY:
(1)(a)(i)(aa) None
(1)(a)(i)(bb) None
(1)(a)(ii) There are 31 staff members that are full time assigned to Compliance and Enforcement.
(1)(b)(i) There are 16 officials at national level.
(1)(b)(ii) There are 15 officials at regional level.
(2)(a) Refer to Annexure A and Annexure B for details on compliance and enforcement staff in both the national office and regional offices respectively
(2)(b) Refer to Annexure A and Annexure B for details on compliance and enforcement staff in both the national office and regional offices respectively
(2)(c) Refer to Annexure A and Annexure B for details on compliance and enforcement staff in both the national office and regional offices respectively
(3) Four (4) officials from the Mpumalanga Regional Office have attended the Enforcement, Monitoring and Inspection training as offered by the Department of Environment Affairs. However, my Department has developed its own training focussing specifically on the water related crimes.
(4)(a) Nine (9) posts are vacant at the National Office. These are:
· Deputy Director: Legal Support,
· Deputy Director: Enforcement Support,
· Four Assistant Directors: Legal Support (1), Investigations (2) & Enforcement Support (1).
· Admin Clerks (3)
(4)(b) There are 56 vacancies at Regional level as set out in the table below:
Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement regional vacancies
| Region | Designations | Total number of vacancies |
| Eastern Cape | 4 Technicians 2 Water pollution control officers 1 DD: Resource protection and waste 1 AD: Drinking water quality 1 AD: Compliance & Enforcement 1 Environmental officer | 10 |
| Free State | 4 Technicians 4 Water pollution control officers 2 Environmental Officers 1 DD: Drinking water quality | 11 |
| Gauteng | 1 Director 1 DD: Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement 1 AD: Water regulation and use | 3 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 2 Legal officers 1 DD: Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement 1 AD: Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement | 4 |
| Limpopo | 3 Water Resource oversight 3 Hydrologist 2 Assistant Director: Water Resource Oversight | 8 |
| Mpumalanga | 2 Economists 1 Legal adviser | 3 |
| Northern Cape | 1 DD: CME 2 Industrial Technicians 1 AD: Drinking water quality 1 Investigator | 5 |
| North West | 5 Technicians (Water Use Control) 1 Engineer | 6 |
| Western Cape | 6 Aquatic Scientist | 6 |
| Total | 56 |
(5) Yes, as indicated in my budget speech, my Department intends to create a fully-fledged branch for Regulation. The process of organisational design for this new structure has not been finalised as yet but there are plans in place to increase the number of officials dedicated to Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement.
QUESTION NO 2659
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 29)
2659. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) With reference to her reply to question 2062 on 30 August 2010, (a) why is the total amount allocated to projects in the provinces and SA National Parks (SANParks) (details furnished) less than half of the budget for the 2010-11 financial year and (b) how will the remainder of the allocated budget for the financial year be spent;
(2) whether any projects administered by the Working for Water programme are subject to a public tender process; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) how are the contractors identified for projects that are not governed by a public tender process;
(4) whether the Working for Water programme will accept unsolicited (a) suggestions on areas that may benefit from the project to remove alien invasive species and (b) bids from businesses looking to be the implementing agents of projects; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3318E
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REPLY
(1)(a) The reason why the total amount allocated to projects in the provinces and South African National Parks (SANParks) is less than half of the budget for the 2010/11 financial year is because the project budgets reported only reflects the operational management costs of each project. This includes wages to beneficiaries, transport, equipment, protective clothing and herbicide.
(1)(b) The remainder of the budget will be utilised as follows:
· R205 million goes towards regional management costs including salaries, and associated administrative costs.
· R193 million is administered through the Working for Water national office aimed at strategic national initiatives such as early detection and rapid response of emerging invasive species, value added industries aimed at utilising cleared biomass, clearing in high altitude areas, rehabilitation of cleared areas, utilisation of biological control, clearing of waterweeds, and research partnerships with organisations such as South African National Biodiversity Institute, Agriculture Research Council, Water Research Commission and Universities.
(2) A closed tendering process is administered with emerging contractors whilst any other professional services engaged to support management is governed by public tender process in terms of the departmental procurement procedures and policy.
(3) The appointment of emerging contractors in undertaking the clearing work is done in line with the Ministerial Determination governing the Expanded Public Works Programmes and the Code of Good Practice. Essentially, contractors are selected in consultation with Project Advisory Committees comprising of representatives from members of the local community, governing structure, local offices of the participating Government Departments. These contractors are then allowed to quote on three negotiated contracts up to a maximum of R30 000 for labour, as part of the training component to allow them to bid on larger contracts in future up to a value of R200 000. This mechanism is provided through exemption clauses in my Departmental procurement delegation, 19.1 to 19.3 in order to support the development of emerging contracting enterprises.
(4)(a) Yes, partnerships are always welcomed. However, it should be noted that the programmes regional clearing plans looks at a 5 year time horizon in terms of allocating resources for clearing, whilst ongoing assessments re-prioritise areas where invasive plant clearing will deliver optimal benefits. Any unsolicited suggestion will have to tie in with the planning horizons to ensure effective coordination and implementation.
(4)(b) No, in terms of my Departmental regulations, only listed Implementing Agents whose accounting practices complies with the Public Finance Management Act may be utilised.
QUESTION NO 2658
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 29)
2658. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) With reference to her reply to question 2135 on 3 September 2010, (a) when was the last time that a certain person (name furnished) consulted on the Hartebeespoort Dam remediation project and (b) what was the nature of the consultation that he provided;
(2) what study found that the 5712m² of floating area has an equivalent functionality of about 856 800m² of land-bound wetland;
(3) whether the above ratio of 1:150 between floating area and land-bound wetland is the same as the ratio that a certain product (name furnished) provides; if not, how can her department make sure that the floating islands which they are using which is not part of this product offer the same ratio; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3317E
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REPLY:
(1)(a) Mr Sjoberg has never consulted on the Hartbeespoort Dam Remediation Project.
(1)(b) Mr Sjoberg was the Project Manager responsible for the compilation of the documents during the development of the initial Remediation Plan (Phase 1 & 2) which was sponsored and documented by the North West Department of Agriculture Conservation and Environment during 2004.
(2) The conclusion comes from a Floating Wetlands study that was commissioned by my Department in July 2009.
(3) No, the ratio is not the same as the ratio provided by BioHavens product, but it is an estimated ratio which provides a general comparison between land-bound wetland and floating wetlands. It should be noted that floating wetlands provides extensive surface area with its floating root system comparable to very limited surface area provided by land-bound wetlands.
QUESTION NO 2635
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 29)
2635. Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the 18-month timeline from initiation to completion of the Witwatersrand underground mine water project (details furnished) takes into account the urgency of the growing threat that acid mine drainage (AMD) poses in the affected basins; if not, what will be done to rectify the situation; if so, how was this conclusion reached;
(2) whether the timeline for the project provides sufficient time to implement the necessary outcomes following the pre-feasibility study before the AMD under the city of Johannesburg rises above the environmentally critical level; if not, what will be done to rectify the situation; if so, how was this conclusion reached;
(3) whether her department will consider shortening the period required to deliver on the pre-feasibility study; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3291E
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REPLY:
(1) My Department has decided to discontinue the pre-feasibility project as there is an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to deal with the growing threat of acid mine drainage (AMD).
(2) Falls away.
(3) Falls away.
QUESTION NO 2636
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 29)
2636. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether her department has established any link between rising acid mine water in the basins of Gauteng and seismic activity in the region; if so, how was this conclusion reached; if not, how was this conclusion reached;
(2) whether her department is conducting a study to determine the link between rising mine water and seismic activity; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3292E
REPLY:
(1) This question falls outside the mandate of my department. I recommend that it should be referred to the Department of Mineral Resources which deals with mining issues and would be in a better position to respond to issues related to seismic activities related to mining activities.
(2) Falls away.
QUESTION NO. 2608 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW3263EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 September 2010
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the decision in January 2008 has been reversed to temporarily remove lions from the Threatened and Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) how can the export of (a) lions or (b) parts of lions who remain off the TOPS list be effectively controlled?
Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2608. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) No. The court case brought by the South African Predator Breeders Association against the former Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has not been concluded yet.
(2) Although lion has been deleted from the definition of a "listed large predator", it has not been removed from the list of threatened or protected species; lion thus remains listed as "vulnerable" in terms of Section 56(1)(c) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA).
The implication is that a permit issued in terms of NEMBA is still required to carry out any restricted activity involving lion, including the export of lion or parts thereof. Further, hunting methods prohibited in terms of Regulation 26 of the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations still apply to lion. However, the prohibition of "put and take" hunting, where a captive-bred listed large predator may not be hunted within 24 months after its release from captivity, currently does not apply to lion.
QUESTION NO.2607. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW3262EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 September 2010
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether, she intends reporting to Parliament regarding international environmental instruments in fulfillment of the obligations under section 26(1) of the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998 in 2010; if not, (a) why not and (b) why was this obligations not fulfilled in 2009; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether she has initiated an annual performance report on sustainable development as prescribed by section 26(2) of this Act; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2607. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) Minister already reported to Parliament, copy attached.
(2) Report developed and discussed at Cabinet on 19 May 2010:
The report was submitted to Cabinet for noting on 19 May 2010. It should be noted that South Africa has aligned the writing of its reports on sustainable development with the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) programme of work. Although these reports were never formerly presented to Parliament, they are always tabled before Cabinet prior to submission to the CSD Secretariat. Copy of the report attached.
QUESTION NO.2596. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW3245EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 September 2010
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the current rate of rhino poaching poses the risk that rhino deaths by poaching will exceed the rate of rhino births; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how was this conclusion reached;
(2) what number of (a) male, (b) female and (c) pregnant rhinos were killed since 1 January 2010?
Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2596. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
1. No. The current level of poaching accounts for 1% of the current estimated rhino population within the country. Rhino populations can comfortably grow at about 7 – 9 % per annum. At the current increasing rate of poaching, which is roughly doubling year on year, the current positive growth in our rhinos (all other aspects remaining equal) may turn negative by 2013 as projected below.(see Fig. 1). This suggests that our rhino populations would possibly decline thereafter which is unsustainable. We thus have a limited window of opportunity in which to get on top of the poaching and organize the rhino industry, hence the many initiative to address this concerning issue.
Figure 1. The estimated population growth of our rhinos with (at current rate –red line) and without poaching (blue line).
2 (a) Male = 62
(b) Female = 22
(c) Pregnant rhinos = Unknown (tests were not carried out during crime scene investigations).
QUESTION NO. 2595. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW3244EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 September 2010
Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) With reference to her reply to question 2089 on 31 August 2010, (a) what was the nature of the extensive study that she referred to, (b) who conducted the study and (c) what is the name of the report that contained the conclusions of the study;
(2) whether there was a public consultation process around the decision to phase out plantations at Tokai and Cecilia; if not, how is this justified; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether there was a public consultation process on the future of Tokai and Cecilia plantations after the harvesting; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) (a) how many members of the public were (i) broadly against the Tokai and Cecilia Management Framework and (ii) broadly in favour of the framework and (b) how is the final framework being reconciled with the comments of the public;
(5) why are members of the public excluded from gaining access by the current fencing off of portions of the plantations despite a commitment to the plantation areas remaining open for a full range of recreational activities?
Mr M J Ellis (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2595. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) (a) (b) and (c) The then Department of Water Affairs and Forestry commissioned the study.
(2) A thorough, Cabinet-endorsed process, coordinated by the then Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, was followed that led to the decision to end commercial forestry at these locations, and assign the land to SANParks.
(3) Yes, SANParks undertook a comprehensive two year stakeholder and public consultation process to prepare the Tokai and Cecilia Management Framework which sets out the vision for the future management, use and rehabilitation of the Tokai and Cecilia plantation areas. The Management Framework was prepared with four rounds of public engagement. This included public and stakeholder input to identify the issues (2006); public and stakeholder comments on the draft Management Framework (March 2007); the Mayor's stakeholder roundtable discussion and review process to produce an agreed Framework (Oct 2007) and a public presentation of the final Management Framework (Dec 2007).
(4) (a) (i) and (ii) and (b)
The public process and the framework which it informed, addressed a wide range of issues (biodiversity, recreation, heritage, economic etc) and the public and stakeholders responded in different ways to these various issues. Both the general public and the issue based stakeholders were consulted and out of that process the framework was developed. It therefore represents a compromise vision to accommodate the varying issue based interests on the future of Tokai and Cecilia.
(5) Generally, access by recreational users to the plantation areas has not been denied. However, during clear felling operations and during post-harvesting rehabilitation of indigenous vegetation, certain areas may need to be temporarily demarcated for public safety and to minimise impacts. Such temporary demarcation includes signage, hazard tape and strand wire fencing.
QUESTION NO. 2594. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW3243EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 September 2010
Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) (a) How many upper-air accents are being performed daily by the SA Weather Service (SAWS) and (b) from which stations are these accents conducted;
(2) whether the number of daily upper-air accents has been reduced since 1 January 2010; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why;
(3) whether there have been any days in this year on which three or less upper-air accents were performed; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, how can this be justified;
(4) whether the data obtained from the upper-air accents is of a reliable quality; if not, (a) why not and (b) what steps has she taken to rectify the situation; if so, how was this conclusion reached?
Mr M J Ellis (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2594. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
1. (a) The current planned upper ascents are 17 per day.
(b) Upper-air ascents are conducted at the following Stations:
i) Bloemfontein
ii) Durban
iii) Port Elizabeth
iv) Cape Town
v) De Aar
vi) Upington
vii) Irene ( Pretoria)
viii) Springbok
ix) Bethlehem
x) Polokwane
xi) Marion Island
xii) Gough Island
However due to budgetary constraints a reduction in the number of upper air ascents was implemented at Bethlehem, Polokwane and Springbok.
2. The reduction in the number of upper air ascent from June 2010 was as a result of the delay in securing radio sondes from the sole supplier (InterMet Africa Systems LTD) of the current radio sondes compatible to the ground receiving system that South African Weather Service (SAWS) utilises for upper air data sourcing. The reason for the delay was due to the fact that the tax clearance papers for the supplier were not in order for the current financial year. This matter is currently receiving urgent attention.
3. Yes. During June 2010 SAWS experienced equipment failure at Marion, due to loss of satellite signal hence no upper air ascents. At Gough island the wind was too strong thus hampering the launching of the balloon. As for the interior, the lack of ascent was as a result of delays in securing the radio sondes from the supplier due to tax clearance certificate issue.
4. Yes. Before SAWS embarked on utilisation of the current upper air system, a trial run was done at its office in Cape Town, where comparative ascent between Vaisalla system, which SAWS has been utilising for some time, and InterMet Africa System was done. Furthermore, comparative ascents were done in Namibia during October 2007 between, MODEM, InterMet Africa Systems and Vaisalla. The outcome of these comparative upper air ascents has proven that the InterMet Africa System's performance was comparable to available systems in the market. It was after the Namibia meeting that a decision to utilise the InterMet System for operational purpose was reached.
QUESTION NO 2560
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28)
2560. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) What is the water usage of the tree species considered as alien invasive species and targeted for eradication by the Working for Water programme;
(2) whether research has been conducted into the water use of indigenous trees; if not, why not;
(3) whether such research is being conducted or is planned; if so, what has this research shown with regard to the water used by the species studied;
(4) why are alien invasive species that are removed not being replaced by appropriate tree species;
(5) whether research has been conducted into the effect on global warming when alien invasive species are removed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the (a) research and (b) findings? NW3201E
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REPLY:
(1) A recent study (published in 2007) commissioned by the Water Research Commission (WRC) in partnership with my Department at Two Streams in KwaZulu-Natal, has shown that the stream flow increased by 75 000 m3/year after the clearing of
65.4 hectares of Black Wattle invasions. In summary the following can be deduced from the study:
· The reduction in runoff due to the Black Wattle was 1 146 m3/ha/year.
· The water loss per hectare from the riparian invasions was 2 100 m3/ha/year which is twice as much water losses from the areas away from the streams (1 023 m3/ha/year).
In addition, research results reflected in the attached Annexure A obtained from various studies of the former South African Forestry Research Institute, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the WRC and the Working for Water Programme between 1970 and 2000 further illustrate the impacts on stream flow of Pinus (pine) species (1 300 – 3 000 m3/ha/year) and Eucalyptus (gum) species (2 000 – 3 400 m3/ha/year) in Jonkershoek (Western Cape), Cathedral Peak (KwaZulu-Natal), Mokobolaan (Mpumalanga) and Westfalia (Limpopo).
(2) Yes, research has been conducted into the water use of indigenous trees. The title of the research was "Water use in relation to biomass of Indigenous tree species in woodland, forestry and/or plantation conditions".
(3) Yes, as indicated in paragraph 2 above, the research is ongoing and is led by the WRC with support from my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The aim of the study is to find out how much water indigenous tree species use and how efficient indigenous trees use water in comparison with commercial plantations species. The preliminary results published in December 2008 found that the six species (indicated in Table 1 below) showed the best water use efficiency amongst the species tested. These results can be compared to the water-use efficiency of commercial Eucalyptus and Pinus species. Generally commercial species use water more efficiently. However, an economic analysis done (commissioned by the WRC) took into account the value of the wood, found that the volume yield is not a major criterion affecting the economic viability of forests as the value of some indigenous timbers are much higher than that of commercial species.
Table 1: Six species which indicated the best water use efficiency
| Species | 1 year water use (kg) | Water-use Efficiency (grams stem wood/kg water transpired) | Water-use Efficiency (g total wood/kg water transpired) |
| Trema orientalis (Pigeon wood) | 8 089.45 | 0.9612 | 1.3170 |
| Celtis africana (white stinkwood) | 8 395.87 | 1.5748 | 2.7306 |
| Podocarpus falcatus (kalander yellowwood) | 6 570.9 | 1.0441 | 1.2901 |
| Ptaeroxylon oblilquum (sneeze wood) | 4 406.97 | 1.3188 | 1.9514 |
| Berchemia zeyheri (pink ivory) | 6 102.88 | 1.6739 | 2.0099 |
| Olea europaea subsp. africana (wild olive) | 5 222.75 | 0.3129 | 1.0304 |
(4) The clearing of invasive alien plants is done for three objectives, to improve water security, biodiversity (and natural ecosystem functioning) and the productive potential of land. Furthermore, the approach to land restoration depends on what the main objective is, taking into account the cost implications. The following should therefore be noted:
In riparian and mountain catchments areas (watersheds) where the main objective is to optimise water resources, the aim will be to re-establish which will be optimal for stream flow. In the mountains catchments of the Western Cape for instance this vegetation will be Fynbos while in the Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga it will be Grasslands.
Generally vegetation recovers naturally after clearing. If the re-growth of the invasive alien plants is sufficiently suppressed the remaining indigenous species in the landscape will be enough for the area to recover well enough in order to restore natural processes.
There are however cases where dense multi-generational stand of invasive alien plants occur. In these cases there is hardly any indigenous species left in the landscape. Indigenous trees, shrubs or grasses will then be re-established (sown or planted in) to speed up or kick start the natural restoration process. This must however be kept to the absolute minimum as restoration could be extremely expensive. Preliminary results from an ongoing study have shown that it could cost up to R250, 000 per hectare to restore an area. This will only be feasible for very small critical areas such as river banks in transformed landscapes. Generally the target is to keep restoration costs (planting in or sowing of indigenous species) less than R10,000 per hectare where it is being considered. For these areas the department established nursery facilities in the Eastern Cape and at Kluitjieskraal forestry nursery in the Western Cape.
(5) Yes, some research is being done on the impacts of climate change on the potential future invasive potential of selected alien species by the South African National Biodiversity institute in collaboration with the CSIR, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and the Department of Environment and Conservation for Western Australia funded by the Australian Department for Climate Change.
(5)(a) The research on the impacts of climate change on the ability of invasive alien plants species to out compete indigenous vegetation is being led by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.
(5)(b) So far one of the most significant findings was that the root and shoot systems of some Acacia species could become stronger which means that they will be able to access water deeper below the soil surface. This could make them more aggressive and increase the potential for invasions, leading to an even bigger threat to our natural resources and biodiversity. Recent work on the impacts of climate change on the commercial forestry industry can and will also be used as base reference for research into the potential threat of invasive alien species. Research in this field is ongoing but dependent on the availability of funding as it is generally very expensive.
QUESTION NO 2559
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28)
2559. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether her department has received a request for drought disaster relief funding from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality during the period 1 September 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (a) when was this request received, (b) what amount of relief funding has the municipality applied for and (c) what motivation accompanied the funding request;
(2) whether her department has processed the said application; if not, (a) why not, (b) by what date will her department complete the processing of the application and (c) on what date does her department anticipate that the funds will be transferred to the municipality; if so, (i) what amount of drought relief funding will be made available to the municipality, (ii)(aa) for what purposes and (bb) subject to what conditions will the funding be made available and (iii) when will the money be transferred to the municipality? NW3200E
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REPLY:
(1)(a) No, requests for drought relief funding are submitted directly to the Department of Cooperative Governance for processing and thereafter forwarded to National Treasury.
(1)(b) Falls away
(1)(c) Falls away
(2)(a) Falls away.
(2)(b) Falls away
(2)(c)(i) Falls away
(2)(c)(ii)(aa) Falls away
(2)(c)(ii)(bb) Falls away
(2)(c)(iii) Falls away
QUESTION NO 2558
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28)
2558. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) (a) Why has compulsory water use licensing in terms of section 43 of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, in four catchments (details furnished) become necessary for each specified catchment and (b) what criteria will be applied in assessing the registration applications by the various categories of water users;
(2) whether she determined a limit for the level of possible reduction of water use by water users who are registered currently; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the limit for each specified category of user and (b) what rationale underpins the decision with regard to each specified water use category? NW3199E
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REPLY:
(1)(a)
| Catchment | Why Compulsory Licensing is necessary |
| Umhlathuze | To achieve fair allocation of the water resources that are under stress and to achieve equity in allocations, in terms of Section 43 (1) (a) (i) and (ii) of the National Water Act, Act 36 0f 1998 (NWA) |
| Tosca | To promote beneficial use of water in the public interest and to foster efficient management of the water resource, this has been over exploited by users in terms of Section 43 (1) (b) and (c) of the NWA, Act 36 of 1998 |
| Jan Dissel | To achieve fair allocation of water and facilitate efficient management of the water resource in terms of Section 43 (1) (a) (i) & (ii) and (c) of the NWA, Act 36 0f 1998 |
| Nkomati | To achieve fair allocation of the available water resources which are under stress and to achieve equity in allocations in terms of Section 43 (1) (a) (i) and (ii) of the NWA, Act 36 0f 1998. |
(1)(b) The criteria to be applied in assessing licence applications is in terms of section 27 and section 45 of the NWA, 1998(Act 36 of 1998) specifically. The guiding principles of equity, efficiency and sustainability will also be considered.
(2)(a) No, there is no limit set for the level of possible curtailment for users who are currently registered.
(2)(b) My department must follow the process as prescribed in sections 43 to 47 of the NWA. The department will therefore engage the affected existing lawful water users in the development of Allocation Schedules in terms of Section 45 to 47 of the NWA. This will include involvement in the decisions taken with regards to possible reductions in existing lawful water use.
QUESTION NO 2550
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28)
2550. Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether her department has supported or initiated any geographical surveys to determine the rate at which groundwater resources are being depleted with a view to ensuring sustainability; if not, why not; if so, (a) when were these surveys conducted, (b) what are the findings of these surveys, (c) who conducted these surveys, (d) which geographical areas were covered by these surveys and (e) how many groundwater explorations were made? NW3180E
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REPLY:
(a) Yes, surveys to determine the rate at which groundwater resources are being depleted have been conducted since the 1930s. This continues to take place as part of the groundwater monitoring network data collection and data & Information report is generated quarterly. The recent report was issued in July 2010 with the next report scheduled to be released at the end of October 2010.
(b) The National Groundwater Mapping process has identified areas in South Africa where bulk groundwater is abstracted and may pose a long-term sustainable risk especially where drier hydrological cycles manifest. Bulk groundwater abstraction centres have been mapped and an indication of the bulk abstraction rate (Mm3×yr-1) is indicated on the Geohydrological Map Series. These abstractions include large irrigation schemes such as the Vivo-Dendron area in Limpopo, Coezersdam-Louwna area in Northern Cape near Vryburg, Leeu-Gamka in Western Cape and the Grootfontein Dolomitic Compartment in North West. In most areas the water level is declining approximately by 0.5 metres per year.
(c) My Department together with the Water Research Commission (WRC); Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Council for Geosciences and Water boards.
(d) Major aquifer systems such as the Table Mountain Group sandstones, the Dolomitic Water Areas in the Gauteng, Limpopo, Northwest and Northern Cape Provinces and other critical aquifer systems like the vulnerable coastal aquifers along the shorelines is covered by monitoring programme. These monitoring programmes are continuously assessed and expanded to ultimately cover all major and minor aquifer systems.
(e) Three large scale investigations on the groundwater resources of South Africa have been completed by my Department. These large scale investigations included hydrogeological mapping project completed in 2005; investigations into the dolomitic areas completed in 2006 and assessments, planning and management of ground water completed 2008.
QUESTION NO. 2545 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW3171EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 September 2010
Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether her department monitors flora and fauna that are close to extinction; if not, why not; if so, what (a) impact will the extinction of these flora and fauna have on biodiversity, (b) steps has she taken to reverse these effects and (c) are the further relevant details?
Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2545. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
Yes,
(a) The impacts of the extinction of fauna and flora will alter the composition of biodiversity and ecosystems, which underpin valuable ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, purifying of water, and protection of populations from natural disasters, on which economies, societies and individual well-being depend.
(b) The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) was established in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) which provides, inter alia for the monitoring and reporting regularly on amongst others, the status of South Africa's biodiversity and the conservation status of all listed threatened species and ecosystems.
Furthermore, the Department of Environmental Affairs has developed Regulations on listed Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) and Bio-prospecting, Access and Benefit-Sharing (BABS). Both these entered into force in 2008. ToPS regulations provide for certain factors to be considered before a permit may be issued to allow the carrying out of a restricted activity. The regulations further require a risk assessment to be undertaken before a permit may be issued to carry out a restricted activity involving a wild population of a species listed as critically endangered. BABS Regulations ensures that there is a fair and equitable sharing of benefits that arise from the use of indigenous biological resources.
In addition, the Department has developed the following tools to assist in the management and protection of fauna and flora:
· Norms and Standards for Biodiversity Management Plans for Species, published in March 2009. Several biodiversity management plans are in the process of being developed according to these Norms and Standards.
· Norms and Standards for the marking of rhinoceros horns and the hunting of white rhinoceros for trophy hunting purposes, which entered into force on 20 July 2009.
· Norms and Standards for the management of elephants in South Africa, which entered into force on 29 February 2008.
(c) The Department is working closely with Non-Governmental Organisations, research institutions and academia, such as the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), Birdlife South Africa, Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), who have programmes in place to monitor the status of flora and fauna. In addition to all this, South Africa as a country is a contracting party to several international conventions, protocols and agreements with the aim to inter alia, conserve and protect valuable species and achieve sustainable use of our natural resources, e.g. the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), African European Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), World Heritage Convention, Convention on Wetlands (RAMSAR), the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, and many more.
QUESTION NO 2533
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28)
2533. Rev K R J Meshoe (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether she has launched an investigation into the widely reported concerns pertaining to (a) the increasing volume of acid mine drainage (details furnished) and (b) its impact on (i) the City of Johannesburg and (ii) the health of its residents; if not, (aa) why not and (bb) when will such investigation be launched; if so, in each case, what (aaa) are the findings of the investigation, (bbb) measures have been put in place to deal with these concerns and (ccc) are the further relevant details? NW3153E
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REPLY:
(a) Yes, in view of the urgency with regard to Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) in the Witwatersrand area, including the City of Johannesburg, an Inter‑Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been established by Cabinet in order to promptly investigate the current challenges with the AMD.
A team of experts was subsequently appointed to conduct investigations which will include the following;
· To reappraise the risks;
· To assess the impacts of AMD;
· To assess what has been done by various institutions;
· To assess available solutions and technology;
· To interrogate and assess viability as well as the costs of critical short term interventions;
· To develop integrated lasting and sustainable medium and long-term solutions; and
· To explore possible partnerships with private sector.
(b)(i) The impact on the City of Johannesburg will be detailed in a report to the IMC.
(b)(ii) The impact on the health of the residents will be detailed in a report to the IMC.
(aa) Falls away.
(bb) The investigation commenced after the IMC meeting on 1 September 2010 by the team of experts, who will present the investigation report to the IMC on 21 October 2010.
(aaa) As indicated in the above paragraph, the Investigation findings will be presented to the IMC on 21 October 2010.
(bbb) Same as paragraph (aaa).
(ccc) The Report will address AMD management on a short, medium and long-term scale.
QUESTION NO. 2485. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26 NW3057EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 03 September 2010
Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs
(1) Whether she has put any programmes in place at national level to create awareness among citizens not to litter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether she has taken any measures to assist municipalities to clean up their jurisdictions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mr I O Davidson (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2485. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
1. The Department of Environmental Affairs in partnership with Indalo Yethu and Buyisa e Bag launched a national waste management campaign in June 2010. The purpose of the campaign was to raise awareness on waste management issues including littering. The name of the campaign was "Keep Mzansi beautiful".
2. The Department has been involved in various clean up campaigns that have been organized by or jointly with municipalities. The clean up campaigns are aimed at creating awareness with regards to waste management issues in different municipalities. In the past, the Department has rewarded a number of municipalities and towns for cleanliness through the cleanest town competition.
QUESTION NO 2484
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 03 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26)
2484. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the (a) Green Scorpions and (b) Blue Scorpions have taken any action against a certain mine (name furnished) outside Ermelo owned by a certain company (name furnished); if not, why not; if so, what action;
(2) whether any compliance notices or directives have been issued against the mine; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) what is the nature of any alleged transgressions by the mine;
(4) whether the mine is expected to conduct any type of remediation based on the alleged transgressions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3055E
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REPLY:
(1)(a) No, the Mpumalanga branch of the Green Scorpions have not yet taken action but had requested Coal of Africa Limited (CoAL), the owners of Mooiplaats Colliery to submit all environmental mining plans (EMPs), environmental impact assessments (EIAs), National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) authorizations and water use license applications (WULAs) relating to all their mining operations in Mpumalanga by 10 September 2010 for verification and possible prosecution. The Green Scorpions will then decide on the way forward by end September 2010 after inputs from all relevant parties that were involved in a joint site visit to Mooiplaats Colliery on 16 August 2010, namely officials from the National Prosecuting Authority, my Department and the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency.
(1)(b) No, the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CME) Directorate (Blue Scorpions) did not take any action. They will, however, cooperate with their counterparts (Green Scorpions) regarding input on water related issues and subsequent action. My Department is interacting with the Colliery regarding their water use license application.
(2) To date, no compliance notices or directives have been issued to the mine. It should be noted that the WULA which had been submitted to my Department lacked important technical information and has been returned to the applicant setting out the requirements and additional information required.
(3) The alleged transgressions include operating without:
· A Water Use Licence (WUL),
· Authorisations under NEMA for almost all activities,
· An appropriate closure plan (addressing liabilities, financial provision), and
· An appropriate EIA for closure.
(4) Yes, the discharge has to be discontinued and be accounted for in the WULA. Any other non-compliance will be assessed based on the information to be submitted and remediation measures will follow if required. Unauthorized activities under NEMA may be dealt with under Section 24G of NEMA.
QUESTION NO 2469
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 03 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26)
2469. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether she has investigated the flow of sewage and/or polluted water that is entering the Indian Ocean at the mouth of the Nahoon River; if not, why not; if so, (a) what was the outcome of this investigation and (b) what are the further relevant details;
(2) whether her department monitors the quality of the water at the river mouth and in the surf zone; if not, why not; if so, what are the results of the monitoring that was carried out since 1 January 2010;
(3) whether the Nahoon Beach is considered safe for recreational use; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether she has taken any action against a certain municipality (name furnished) in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3039E
REPLY:
(1)(a) Yes, my Department has investigated the complaints of sewage pollution from the Nahoon River Estuary. As the estuary is located within an urban area (East London), it has a number of pump stations, sewer lines and storm-water drains on both sides. The investigation revealed that the storm water drainage from the Nompumelelo Settlement (Beacon Bay) is the major source of faecal coliform pollution in the Estuary.
(1)(b) Pollution from Nompumelelo Settlement is a result of diffuse pollution and frequent sewer blockages in the community attributed to mostly foreign materials in the sewer pipes. The Buffalo City Local Municipality (LM), as a Water Services Authority for the area has a maintenance crew which services Nompumelelo Settlement community on a daily basis.
(2) No, the Buffalo City Local Municipality's Scientific Services conducts weekly monitoring at 34 such sites from the Gonubie Beach to the Gulu estuary (inclusive of the Nahoon River estuary and its adjacent beaches). The Buffalo City Local Municipality tests for total coliforms, faecal coliforms, E coli and conductivity. To assist local authorities in managing the water quality of their beaches and coastal waters, my Department has revised the National Water Quality Guidelines for Recreational Use. These revised guidelines will allow for easier understanding and implementation of recommended target ranges and is in the process of being finalised for promotion among coastal municipalities.
(3) Yes, Nahoon Beach does not pose a high risk for recreational use since 80% of the samples showed isolation of < 600 faecal coliforms/100ml as per the South African Water Quality Guidelines, vol. 2, 1996. It should be noted that Buffalo City LM has a co-operative governance approach to beach closures (Spill Committee) and the beach is closed based on the following three reasons;
· Rain storm conditions, flushing urban areas, causing dirty water and elevated faecal Coliforms;
· Known sewer spills causing elevated faecal Coliforms; and
· Suspected shark activity often around the sardine run.
Yes, when incidences of pollution occurred, my Department always notifies and instructs the Buffalo City LM to address the issue and municipality is always responsible and co-operative on all the instruction from my Department.
QUESTION NO 2468
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 03 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26)
2468. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether any powers and duties have been delegated to the Inkomati Catchment Management Agency in terms of Schedule 3 of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, (a) why not, (b) when will these powers and duties be delegated and (c) how does the agency function without such delegation of powers and duties; if so, (i) what is the extent of the powers and duties delegated to the agency and (ii) what are the further relevant details? NW3038E
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REPLY:
No powers and duties have been delegated as yet to the Inkomati Catchment Management Agency (ICMA), in terms of Schedule 3 of the National Water Act (NWA).
(a) My Department is finalising the delegation of Schedule 3 of the NWA.
(b) The process of delegating functions to the ICMA is a consultative one which took longer than was anticipated. I anticipate approving the delegations by no later than the end November 2010.
(c)(i) The ICMA is currently responsible for initial functions in terms of Section 79 & 80 and Schedule 4 of the NWA, which focus on planning, coordination and public participation as listed below:
· Investigate and advise on water resources management
· Responsibility for assessment and making recommendations around catchment (allocation and water quality) planning, resource protection and water use, to DWA, water users and stakeholders.
· Formulate the Catchment Management Strategy and coordinate with local development plans)
· Developing a first catchment management strategy, including its consultation, as well as participate in other allocation, reconciliation, and water resources (including water quality) planning processes.
· Coordinate related activities of water users and water management institutions.
· Engage with local and provincial government, as well as with irrigation boards, water user associations and water services providers (including water boards), to ensure that their activities are in line with the CMA strategic intent.
· Promote the co-ordination of the implementation of Water Services Development Plans
· The co-ordination of the water services development plans done by the various municipalities in their capacity as water services authorities must be promoted by the CMA as part of the integrated WRM.
· Promote stakeholder participation in water resources management
· Taking primary responsibility for consultation and promoting participation of stakeholders in water resources management processes and decision making (including allocation reform, augmentation planning and resource protection initiatives).
(c)(ii) The ICMA has made a substantial progress in the implementation of the initial functions; they have met the requirements relating to the submission of their annual business plans and have also submitted a catchment management strategy.
QUESTION NO. 2467. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26 NW3037EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 03 September 2010
Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs
(1) Whether she has any programmes in place to monitor particulate matter2.5 (PM2.5) emission levels; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) what are the results and findings of the monitoring;
(2) whether PM2.5 constitutes a health risk; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether PM2.5 is considered as a contributor to global warming and climate change in South Africa; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether her department has identified any ambient air standards for PM2.5; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will such standards be put in place; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) whether she has put any measures in place to reduce PM2.5 emissions; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will such measure be put in place; if so, (i) what measures and (ii) what are the further relevant details ?
Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2467. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
1. Yes, the department has a dedicated national ambient air quality monitoring network (http://www.saaqis.org.za ) that measures criteria pollutants, including PM2.5.
(a) PM2.5 is being monitored at both the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area (VTAPA) and Highveld Priority Area (HPA).
(b) At the moment the Department is following the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in the interim, since the Department is in the process of developing such standards and the results are slightly higher than the WHO guidelines given the South African context.
2. PM2.5 does constitute health risk. There is enormous amount of scientific evidence that links exposure to PM2.5 to adverse respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Although country specific epidemiological and toxicological research has not been conducted, there is significant amount of work that has been done (e.g. World health Organization Air Quality Guidelines) to confirm this.
3. PMis a complex mixture with components having diverse chemical and physical properties, and varies from area to area. It is a pollutant contributing to negative human health but not a greenhouse gas. Research, however, has provided information to the effect that PMhas a role in climate forcing due to its light scattering and absorption characteristics. The PMrole in climate forcing, however, is relatively minor compared to green house gases.
4. (a) PM2.5 has been identified as one of pollutants that need to be controlled in the 2007 National Framework for Air Quality Management. The department is currently working with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS TC 146) to develop standards for PM2.5 as required by the National Framework.
(b) The department envisages the finalization of the SABS process this year, and the subsequent finalization of the legislative process at the end of 2010/11 financial year.
5.
(b) i+ii. High concentration levels of Particulates (PM) in two highly industrialized airsheds in the country (Highveld and Vaal Triangle) has led the department to declare those areas as the National Priority Areas (commonly referred to as "air pollution hotspots") in terms of Section 18 of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act No.39 of 2004). Subsequent to each declaration, specific air quality management plans to reduce the levels of levels below the ambient air quality standards have been developed (Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) is currently being implemented; the Highveld Priority Area AQMP is under development).
QUESTION NO: 2457
2457. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(a) What is (i) the nature of the planned rehabilitation and refurbishment projects that are being undertaken by her department at all dams in KwaZulu-Natal in the 2010-11 financial year, (ii) the allocated budget for each of these projects and (iii) the current status of each project and (b) when does she envisage the completion of incomplete projects? NW3026E
The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
| Name of the Dams | (a)(i) Nature of planned rehabilitation | (a)(ii) Budget | (a)(iii) The current status of each project | (b) Estimated Completion Date |
| WAGENDRIFT DAM | Corrosion Protection of 6 off Bell Mouth | R 225, 761.03 | Left hand Lines have been corrosion protected and 2 of the 3 lines are in the process of being assembled. Due to a leak one of the bell mouths Rotek Eng have been requested to not assemble this line so that my Department can fix the leak. Once the leak has been attended to the line will be assembled and the Stop logs will be moved to the right hand side and corrosion protection will commence on these lines. | Completion date to be advised due to the work that needs be carried out on the leak. |
| SPIOENKOP DAM | Left hand line: corrosion and protection | R 835,665.53 | The corrosion protection on the vertical section has been completed and a blank flange has been fitted. Due to the leaking butterfly valve on the horizontal section Rotek Eng can not access this section. Once the Vertical section has been backfilled the stop log can be moved to the horizontal section and work can start on the horizontal section. My Department's assistance is required in this as divers are required to move the stop log. | Completion date to be advised, work can only continue once the stop log has been moved |
| Name of the Dams | (a)(i) Nature of planned rehabilitation | (a)(ii) Budget | (a)(iii) The current status | (b) Estimated Completion Date |
| SPIOENKOP DAM | Right hand line: corrosion protection | R 658,411.38 | The corrosion protection on the Horizontal section is completed, the line has been assembled except for the 700mm butterfly valve, the 400mm sleeve valve and a small drain valve that need to be fitted. The vertical section has not been touched due to the stop log being installed on the left hand line. Once the stop log is not in use it can be moved to the vertical section and this section can be completed. | Completion date to be advised, work can only continue once the stop log is available to seal the vertical section. |
| SPIOENKOP DAM | Refurbishment of 6 off actuators on the outlet system | R 97,556.79 | Project is currently in progress | Nov-10 |
| NTSHINGWAYO DAM | Supply of a portal crane structure over industrial outlet system | R 853,974.03 | Project is currently in progress | Nov-10 |
| NTSHINGWAYO DAM | Upgrade access around cross over valve | R 231,358.48 | Project is currently in progress | Sep-10 |
| MIDMAR DAM | Internal corrosion protection of the left hand industrial | R 849,916.53 | Project is currently in progress | Oct-10 |
| PONGOLA POORT DAM | Refurbishment of sleeve valve | R 241,528.08 | Sleeve valve has been removed and the refurbishment of the valve is in progress. | Oct-10 |
| PONGOLAPOORT DAM | Refurbish and reinstate 1 X 900mm Sleeve and 1 X 900mm spherical valve | R 401,985.82 | Sleeve and Spherical valves are currently being refurbished. | Nov-10 |
| INANDA DAM | Refurbishment of sleeve valve No 1 | R 238,365.29 | Sleeve valve has been removed and the refurbishment of the valve is in progress. | Nov-10 |
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 03 September 2010
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs
(1) (a) What are the (i) names and (ii) designations of all persons working for the National Wildlife Crime Reaction Unit and (b) what is the budget for this unit (i) for the 2010-11 financial year and (ii) expected to be for the 2011-12 financial year;
(2) whether adequate research exists in order to conduct effective enforcement measures against rhino poaching; if not, what steps will be taken to rectify this situation; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether there are sufficient minimum standards and specifications across all provinces to conduct effective enforcement measures against rhino poaching; if not, what steps will be taken to rectify the situation; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether memoranda of understanding have been signed with all relevant stakeholders involved in actions to reduce rhino poaching; if not, what steps will be taken to rectify the situation; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2453. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) (a) (i) Mr. Fundisile Mketeni as the accounting officer (Deputy Director-General: Biodiversity & Conservation), Mr Shonisani Munzhedzi (Chief Director: Biodiversity Management), Ms Sonja Meintjes, (Biodiversity Control Officer Grade B) from the Department of Environmental Affairs, and Mr Ken Maggs, (Senior General Manager from SANParks). The appointment process for officials nominated for seconding from other departments and provincial authorities is at an advanced stage and therefore names are withheld until the appointments are finalized.
(b) (i) The initial budget for the Unit for the 2010-11 financial year is R 2 000 000.
(ii) The budget for the 2011-12 financial year is expected to be more or less the same.
(2) Yes. A National Strategy for the Safety and Security of Rhinoceros Populations in South Africa has been developed by experienced law enforcement officers with the assistance from reputed scientists using existing information and new technology to provide adequate strategic planning and critical intervention strategies aimed at conducting effective enforcement measures against rhino poaching.
(3) Yes. A national moratorium on the trade of individual rhinoceros horns and any derivates or products of the horns is in place since 2008. The Threatened or Protected Species Regulations (TOPS) in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004) requires permits to carry out restricted activities involving rhino; and National norms and standards for the marking of rhinoceros horn and the hunting of white rhinoceros for trophy hunting purposes have been implemented in 2009.
(4) No. The existing Standard Operation Procedure for Co-operation between the Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) of the Department of Environmental Affairs and the South African Police Service (SAPS), signed in January 2009, provides for cooperation measures to address wildlife crimes of this nature.
QUESTION NO. 2439. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26 NW3007EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 03 September 2010
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether her department has received any request for compensation in the context of environmental justice as a result of economic and social losses of environmental resources incurred by communities as a direct consequence of climate change; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2439. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
No, the Department of Environmental Affairs has not received such a request.
QUESTION NO 2434
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 03 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26)
2434. Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the water of the Rietvlei Dam, which spills over into the Hartebeespoort Dam, is polluted with toxic waste, pesticides and heavy metals; if so, what (a) is the impact of this pollution, (b) has been done to identify the sources of the pollutants and (c) has been done to stop further pollution;
(2) Whether her department has taken legal action against polluters who have been identified; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) what is the effect of this multi-sourced pollution on (a) the quality of the dam's water and (b)(i) fish, (ii) wildlife and (iii) the human population who (aa) consume the fish and (bb) are in contact with the water;
(4) whether there is a higher than normal (a) mortality of blue kurper (bream) and (b) occurrence of defects such as lesions, deformed head and depigmentation in tough species such as barbel; if so, to what does her department ascribe the phenomena in each case;
(5) Whether her department initiated a project to catch fish for sale for human consumption in townships; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why? NW2822E
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REPLY:
(1) The Rietvlei Dam does not spill directly over into the Hartebeespoort Dam but into the Hennops River which flows into the Hartebeespoort Dam. Based on the raw water quality results provided to my Department by City of Tshwane: Water and Sanitation which was conducted January 2010 and August 2010 from the Rietvlei Dam and upstream catchment, the water quality is not polluted with toxic waste, pesticides and heavy metal.
(1)(a) Falls away.
(1)(b) Falls away.
(1)(c) Falls away
(2) Falls away.
(3) Falls away.
(4) No, my Department is not aware of any seasonal fish kills at the Rietvlei Dam and any occurrence of defects such as referred to by the question. There is an ongoing research on chemicals of concern for endocrine disruptive effect on the fish and other species at the dam as well as in other areas in the country by the WRC. The title of the study is called "The use of sentinel species to determine the endocrine destructive activity in urban nature reserves". The study did not found any abnormalities in fish as the results did not conclusively indicate the effect of the chemical in those organisms.
(5) No, neither my Department nor the City of Tshwane has initiated a project at the Rietvlei Dam to catch fish for sale and human consumption in the township.
QUESTION NO. 2426. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25 NW2997EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 August 2010
Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether she has been informed of the polluted status of the Olifants rivier in the greater Kruger National Park and its effect on wildlife in this area; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,
(2) whether she will appoint a task team to attend to this problem by developing a rescue plan with specific outcomes and to monitor the progress of success?
Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2426. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) Yes. The Department of Water Affairs is in continuous discussions with the Mining Sector, the Agricultural Sector and the Local Municipalities who all have been implicated in contributing to the pollution of the Olifants River. The Environmental Health Research Group at the CSIR is conducting a human health risk assessment in the Upper Olifants / Highveld Priority Area (Steve Tshwete and eMalahleni local municipalities). We hope to extend this project also to include the lower Olifants River including the Kruger Park as well as Massingir Dam in Mozambique
(2) No. There exists an informal but active group (which include researchers, NGOs and government officials) called CROC (Consortium for the Restoration of the Olifants Catchment) which has been the co-ordinating body for investigations and chemical analyses pertaining to the crocodile mortalities in the Olifants River. Outcomes of these various research programs as well as discussions with stakeholders will guide the decision of appointing a task team. Such a task team would also look at the issues around the implementation of existing legislation pertaining to water quality. The NFEPA (National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas) program will be completed next year and will guide us in terms of other freshwater systems which need urgent attention at a national level.
QUESTION NO 2421
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 AUGUST 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25)
2421. Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether (a) her department or (b) any of its entities has signed any contractual agreements with a certain company (name furnished) or any of its affiliates (i) in the (aa) 2006-07, (bb) 2007-08, (cc) 2008-09 and (dd) 2009-10 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (aaa) what is the nature of each contract, (bbb) what is the monetary value of each contract, (ccc) what is the (aaaa) start and (bbbb) end date of each contract, (ddd) what are the details of the process that was followed for the signing of each contract, (eee) who else tendered for each contract that was awarded and (fff) what amount did each tenderer quote in each case? NW2990E
The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) No, my Department has not entered into any contracts with General Nyanda Security Advisory (GNS) or any of their affiliates for the periods mentioned above (i.e. 2006-07; 2007-08; 2008-09; 2009-10 and 2010-11 financial years)
(1)(a) Falls away.
(1)(b) Falls away.
(1)(c) Falls away.
(1)(d) Falls away.
(1)(e) Falls away.
QUESTION NO 2390
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 AUGUST 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25)
2390. Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the Homevale Waste Water Treatment Works in Kimberley has had any directives issued against it in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, for issues of noncompliance; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether she has taken any steps to improve the treatment capacity of this waste water treatment facility; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2959E
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REPLY:
(1) Yes, a notice of non-compliance in terms of Section 19 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998) was issued to the Sol Plaatje Municipality on 3 September 2008 for the failure to operate and maintain, refurbish and expand the Homevale Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW).
(2) Yes, steps have been taken by the Sol Plaatje Municipality to improve the treatment capacity of the Homevale WWTW. Such steps include the submission of an action plan by the Sol Plaatje Municipality detailing short term and long term interventions for upgrading the Homevale WWTW as well as the implementation of the following measures:
· Restrictions on all new developments to prevent any additional load on the Homevale WWTW,
· Conducting of an assessment and directives issued to those industries whose effluent do not comply to the municipal bylaws thereby seeking to reduce the load on the Homevale WWTW
· Refurbishment of the Homevale WWTW to its design capacity of 30 Ml/day, including an emergency pond which provides an additional storage capacity of 3Ml/day under peak flow conditions. The municipality is currently complying with the Directives and has a long term plan for increasing the capacity of the WWTW from 30Ml/day to 45-50Ml/day. The municipality is also in the process of applying for a water use licence.
QUESTION NO: 2389
2389. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2087 on 18 August 2010, she has been informed of spillages of untreated or partially treated sewage from the Mbango Waste Water Treatment Works in Ugu Municipality since 1 July 2010; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether there has been any improvement in the state of the waste water treatment works since the last communication from Ugu Municipality to her department on 30 June 2010; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether any further directives have been issued against the Ugu Municipality since 1 July 2010 in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, for the state of the waste water treatment works; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) what steps will her department take if the existing notices and directives against the Ugu Municipality in terms of the national Water Act do not result in improvements in the functioning of the waste water treatment works? NW2958E
The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) No, my Department has not been informed of any spillages of untreated or partially treated sewage from the Mbango Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) since 1 July 2010.
(2) Yes, there has been a marked improvement in the state of WWTW and its operation which attributes to the final effluent quality discharged from the Mbango WWTW. The improvement includes operational as well as installation of civil and mechanical equipment.
(3) No further directives have been issued to the Ugu District Municipality since 1 July 2010. The lowest final effluent quality compliance for July was 57% and the largest three WWTWs owned by Ugu DM had compliance performance figures of 67%, 83% and 92% respectively.
(4) If the notices do not result in requisite improvements, directives will be issued and non compliance with the directives will result in criminal charges being brought against the Municipality, but the overall objective will be to improve the performance of WWTWs.
QUESTION NO:2387
2387. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether certain mining companies (details furnished) which are operating in the Delmas area have water licences; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2956E
The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
No, both mining companies have no water licences. The evaluation of their license application is part of the Letsema Project initiated by my Department in January 2010 with the intention to address licensing backlogs. As part of the license evaluation process, my Department conducted a site visit on 01 September 2010 to verify the mines' water use activities
QUESTION NO. 2360. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25 NW2929EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 August 2010
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) What progress has the Government made in the development of the Pan-Africa eLearning for the Environment Network;
(2) whether her department has designated/commissioned any national e-learning centres; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the (a) names and (b) locations for these centres;
(3) whether her department has developed e-learning strategies for the environment sector; if not, (a) why not and (b) what is the anticipated date by which these strategies will be developed; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2360. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) No progress has been made.
(2) No. The Department offers an internet component as part of the Environmental Management Inspectorate Basic Training at the Universities of Pretoria and University of South Africa.
(3) No.
(a) The department is currently working on the Human Capital Development (HCD) and Environmental Sector Skills plan (ESSP) strategies that will be finalised by end of current financial year. The e-learning strategies were not identified as a critical need for the current MTEF period.
(b) The department is currently working with the Department of Higher Education and the National Skills Authority (NSA) in finalising these strategies and will look into incorporating the e-learning strategy should the need arise and funding available.
QUESTION NO 2354
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 AUGUST 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25)
2354. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) With reference to Project Letsema, (a) how many water use licence or authorisation applications were still outstanding as at 31 July 2010, (b) how many such applications have been outstanding (i) for less than 6 months, (ii) between 6 - 12 months, (iii) between 12 - 18 months and (iv) for longer than 18 months and (c) what steps will her department take to ensure that a backlog of processing applications does not recur in future;
(2) (a) what is the average rate of time spent by her department in processing and finalising these applications, (b) what is the anticipated date by which the backlog of applications will be cleared, (c) what are the factors that cause delays in processing these applications and (d) how does Project Letsema ensure that water use allocations do not exceed available water supply;
(3) whether a preliminary determination of the reserve for all rivers has been made; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether this determination is considered as part of the application assessment in terms of section 22(5) of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, why not? NW2923E
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REPLY:
(1)(a) An estimated 1 812 water use licence applications (WULAs) were outstanding as at 31 July 2010.
(1)(b) Outstanding WULAs per period is as follows:
| Category per period | Estimated number |
| (i) Less than 6 months | 245 |
| (ii) 6- 12 months | 145 |
| (iii)12-18 months | 190 |
| (iv) over 18 months | 1232 |
(1)(c) Capacity building has been taking place with the staff that processes licence applications as the backlog is being dealt with. My Department has also appointed contract workers so that they can assist in ensuring that new applications are processed in time.
(2)(a) On average, an application takes six months to finalise depending on the nature and complexity of the application.
(2)(b) My Department anticipates finalising the WULA backlog by end of March 2011.
(2)(c) Factors causing delays in processing licence applications include:
• Incomplete WULAs, i.e. Insufficient and incomplete information provided by applicants.
• The nature of the reserve determination to be undertaken
• Delayed inputs from other departments
• Complex legal and technical aspects required for authorisation
• Lack of capacity in processing complex integrated WULAs.
(2)(d) My department considers the Reserve and uses information from the National Water Resource Strategy and Internal Strategic Perspective documents to ensure that water use allocations do not exceed available water supply.
(3) Preliminary determination of Reserves has not been carried out for all rivers in the country. The national coverage of preliminary Reserve determinations to date is approximately 60% for all groundwater and surface water resources (which include rivers).
The determination of Reserves (as prescribed through chapter 3 of NWA) also requires the development of methodologies to establish ecological water requirements for various components of water-linked ecosystems (i.e. rivers, wetlands, estuaries and groundwater).
My department has however managed to gradually shift from Reserve methodologies development towards the determination thereof. A phased approach towards Reserve determinations was also necessary taking into account the limited budget allocation to execute this function. Measures have since been put in place to address this shortcoming in order to accelerate the massification of Reserve determinations.
(4) Yes, the preliminary Reserve is taken into account.
QUESTION NO 2353
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 AUGUST 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25)
2353. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the new interdepartmental team of senior executives of her department and of the Department of Mineral Resources to consider the problem of the impact of mining on water resources in the Witwatersrand area has been established, as referred to in her speech to the AgriSA Water Conference on 11 August 2010; if so, when was it established; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it anticipated to be formed;
(2) what are the (a) details of the persons who have been selected to form part of this team and (b) what are the proposed (i) terms of reference and (ii) time frames for the implementation thereof;
(3) whether the mandate of the team is of an (a) advisory or (b) executive nature;
(4) (a) to whom and (b) how often will the team be required to report? NW2922E
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REPLY:
(1) Yes, the team of experts was established on the 8 September 2010 after the first Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Acid Mine Drainage (AMD).
(2)(a) The Team consists of experts of the Department of Mineral Resources, Science and Technology, my Department, and representatives from the Council for Geosciences (CGS), Water Research Commission (WRC) and MINTEK.
(2)(b)(i) The terms of reference are as follows:
· to appraise the risks;
· to assess what has been done by various institutions;
· to assess available solutions and technology;
· to interrogate and assess viability and costs of critical short-term interventions;
· to integrate lasting and sustainable medium and long term solutions; and
· to explore possible partnerships with the private sector.
(2)(b)(ii) The Team has to report within six weeks (Middle October).
(3)(a) The mandate of the team is of an advisory nature.
(4)(a) The Team will report to the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC).
(4)(b) The frequency of reporting is still to be determined.
QUESTION NO 2331
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 AUGUST 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25)
2331. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
With reference to her reply to question 809 on 1 April 2010, (a) what is the (i) total amount of money owed by municipalities to all water boards and (ii) breakdown of this figure according to (aa) current debt and (bb) debt in arrears, (b) how much money is owed by each municipality to each water board and (c) how is the figure for each municipality broken up according to (i) current debt and (ii) arrears? NW2899E
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REPLY:
(a)(i) R1 562 105 266
(a)(ii)(aa) R 708 762 630
(a)(ii)(bb) R 853 342 636
(b) Refer to table below on money owed by each municipality to water boards as at June 2010.
| WATER BOARD | Amount owed |
| Albany Coast Water | R 286 709 |
| Amatola Water | R 14 095 860 |
| Bloem Water | R 77 638 247 |
| Botshelo Water | R 52 512 625 |
| Bushbuckridge Water | R194 108 644 |
| Lepelle Northern Water | R268 853 588 |
| Magalies Water | R 15 791 741 |
| Mhlathuze Water | R 5 975 680 |
| Namakwa Water | R 2 529 415 |
| Overberg Water | R 585 190 |
| Pelladrift Water | R 309 137 |
| Sedibeng Water | R252 173 461 |
| Rand Water | R505 860 876 |
| Umgeni Water | R171 384 092 |
(c) Refer to Annexure A.
QUESTION NO: 2314
2314. Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the acting director of Water Affairs in the North West province (name furnished) described the water of the Hartebeespoort Dam as pristine last year; if so,
(2) whether her department is in agreement with this assertion; if not, (a) what has her department done to correct the assertion and (b) what (i) has her department done and (ii) is her department doing to restore the dam to health;
(3) whether her department is keeping all persons in contact with the dam's water fully appraised of any potential dangers to their health that may arise from their consumption or use of (a) the water or (b) its fish; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (i) how (aa) extensive and (bb) effective is the campaign and (ii) what are the further relevant details? NW2820E
REPLY:
(1) No, Mr Petrus Venter did not describe the water from the Hartbeespoort Dam last year as pristine. However in the media release of the 23 September 2009, my Department stated that "the dam is currently in a visually pristine condition" and that "the monitoring team has reported water clarity of up to a depth of 5m below the water surface in certain areas".
(2) Yes, my Department is in agreement with the assertion made during the media release indicated in paragraph (1) above.
(2)(a) Falls away.
(2)(b)(i) My Department has (with the assistance of Rand Water as the Implementing Agent) fast tracked the Hartebeespoort Dam Integrated Biological Remediation Programme which includes the dam basin and integrated catchment management programmes.
(2)(b)(ii) My Department continues to implement the Hartebeespoort Dam Integrated Biological Remediation Programme as well as ensuring that the water resource is protected, conserved and managed in accordance with requirements of the National Water Act, Act No 36 of 1998.
(3)(a) Yes, as part of an overall awareness campaign, my Department does inform the public on the use of water from the dam and the dangers of consuming untreated water.
(3)(b) No, there is no information to confirm any potential danger to health that may arise from the consumption or use of fish in the dam.
(3)(i)(aa) The campaign conducted includes presentations; exhibitions and demonstration of some of the awareness activities during the Water Institute of Southern Africa Conference hosted on 19 - 22 April 2010. In addition, information pamphlets; booklets and posters were distributed to the public and further material were presented at the Pretoria Show hosted on 27 August - 5 September 2010. It should be noted that the information is also accessible from my Department's website (www.dwaf.gov.za/harties) under the Harties Metsi a me programme and is always updated with latest information. Furthermore, media liaison is continuously taking place and media releases are sent out particularly during periods when water quality can be detrimental to the health of the public.
(3)(i)(bb) There is no information to substantiate the effectiveness of our campaigns.
(3)(b)(ii) Fish Health Assessments were conducted as part of the Fish Survey prior to the commencement of the remediation programme. The assessment revealed that there are no risks related to microsystin in the fish tissue. It was also found that the fish fillets of carp, catfish and the Mozambique tilapia complied with the minimum microbiological requirements for South African Food Standards. The general acceptable principle is that proper gutting and cleaning of fish prior to cooking still remains the most important measure to eliminate any contamination of any fish tissue.
QUESTION NO 2304
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 AUGUST 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25)
2304. Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether her department granted an exemption to the Northern Sewage Works permitting them to dump sewage, including raw sewage, into the Jukskei River; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what was the nature of the agreement and (b) how much sewage enters the Hartebeespoort dam daily from this source;
(2) whether her department has commissioned, or is in possession of, a study on the consequences of this on the quality of the dam's water; if so, what are the results of the study; if not,
(3) whether the said permit has expired; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether sewage is discharged into the Jukskei River or any other river entering the Hartebeespoort dam; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) whether her department has taken action to stop the activity; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2677E
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REPLY:
(1)(a) Yes, my Department granted an exemption to the Northern Sewage Works only to discharge treated effluent and not raw sewage into the Jukskei River.
(1)(b) The Northern Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) is allowed to discharge
430 ML/day into the Jukskei River which flows into the Hartbeespoort Dam.
(2) No, my Department has not commissioned, or in possession of a study to determine the consequence of the Northern WWTW discharge into the Dam. However, due to the increase in effluent quantity from the WWTW, not only from Johannesburg Northern work, but other WWTW in the upper catchments, my Department will consider such a study to determine the minimum phosphate loading that can be allowed in the Dam without turning the Dam into hypertrophic state.
(3) Yes, the exemption has expired and Johannesburg Water Company applied for a Water use license in terms of section 40 of the National water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998) on 5 November 2008. The application has been evaluated and outstanding information has been requested from Johannesburg Water Company.
(4) Yes, treated sewage effluent from the following WWTW is discharged into the Jukskei River:
· Northern WWTW
· Driefontein WWTW
· Sunderland Ridge WWTW
· Percy Stewart WWTW
· Randfontein WWTW
· Magaliesburg WWTW
(5) Yes, my Department has issued a pre- directive Notice on 23 August 2010 to the Mogale City Local Municipality to rectify the problems (i.e. the plant not being fully operational) at the Magaliesburg WWTW since it is not functioning except the screening and the discharge of substandard effluent.
QUESTION NO. 2296. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23 NW2813EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 August 2010
Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether, with reference to the findings of Farming SA of July 2010 that 10% of indigenous birds and frogs, 20% of indigenous mammals and 75% of indigenous plants were threatened by extinction, her department has introduced policies and programmes to reverse this threat; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2296. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
Yes.
Legislation, such as:
· The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) which provides for the management and conservation of biological diversity within the Republic and the components of such biological diversity. NEMBA therefore provides for the protection of species that are threatened or in need of protection to ensure their survival in the wild, and the utilisation of biodiversity managed in an ecologically sustainable way; and
· The National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, which provides for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of the country's biological diversity, its natural landscapes and seascapes, thereby further contributing to protect threatened indigenous species from extinction.
NEMBA introduced the establishment of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). SANBI's functions in terms of NEMBA, include inter alia:
· To monitor and report regularly to the Minister on the status of the Republic's biodiversity and the conservation status of all listed threatened or protected species;
· To collect, generate, process, coordinate and disseminate information about biodiversity and the sustainable use of indigenous biological resources; and
· To provide logistical, administrative and financial support for the proper functioning of the Scientific Authority (The Scientific Authority assists in regulating and restricting trade in specimens of listed threatened or protected species).
Furthermore, NEMBA provides for:
· a list of threatened or protected species (TOPS) for which a permit is required to carry out any restricted activity (e.g. possession, transport, hunting, selling, export);
· the development of norms and standards to, amongst others, restrict activities which impact on biodiversity and its components;
· the prohibition to carry out a restricted activity that impacts negatively on the survival of a listed threatened or protected species; and
· the development of Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP) that are aimed to ensure the long-term survival of species in the wild.
Considering the above-mentioned legislative tools, the following have already been implemented by the Department of Environmental Affairs:
· The TOPS Regulations were promulgated in terms of NEMBA and entered into force on 1 February 2008. The TOPS Regulations provide for certain factors to be considered before a permit may be issued to allow the carrying out of a restricted activity. The regulations further require a risk assessment to be undertaken before a permit may be issued to carry out a restricted activity involving a wild population of a species listed as critically endangered.
· Norms and Standards for the marking of rhinoceros horns and the hunting of white rhinoceros for trophy hunting purposes, which entered into force on 20 July 2009.
· Norms and Standards for the management of elephants in South Africa, which entered into force on 29 February 2008.
· Moratorium on the trade in rhinoceros horns, or any part or derivative thereof, which entered into force on 13 February 2009.
· Norms and Standards for Biodiversity Management Plans for Species which were published in March 2009. Several biodiversity management plans are in the process of being developed according to these Norms and Standards.
Strategies and programmes contributing to the reversal of threats to species, include:
· The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2005) which calls for a monitoring and evaluation framework (including indicators and thresholds) for threatened ecosystems and species (being developed).
· The Threatened Species Programme, assessing the status of South Africa's plants and animal species.
· The Working for Water Programme, removing alien invasive species.
· The Working for Wetlands Programme, rehabilitating wetlands.
Furthermore, South Africa is a signatory to various international conventions, protocols and agreements with the aim to inter alia, conserve and protect valuable species and achieve sustainable use of our natural resources, e.g. the Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Migratory Species, African European Waterbird Agreement, Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, World Heritage Convention, Convention on Wetlands, International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, and many more.
QUESTION NO 2294
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 AUGUST 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23)
2294. Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether she has taken steps to implement programmes to curb the high prevalence of diseases associated with poor quality of water in public streams; if not, why not; if so, to what extent did her department reduce the prevalence of such diseases during the period 15 July 2009 to 15 July 2010? NW2811E
---00O00---
REPLY:
Yes, my Department from time to time does run campaigns through the nine regional offices where the public is made aware of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
In addition to this, joint initiatives with the Department of Health have ensured that environmental health practitioners educate various communities on the need to filter and disinfect polluted water (mainly with sodium hypo-chloride, more commonly known as bleach).
Communities are also made aware of the potential health impacts of faecally polluted water through theatre group performances. Posters, booklets and pamphlets were handed out to schools in the communities. Clean ups at nearby streams were done with the cooperation of the municipalities after the performances.
In spite of these initiatives, Government remains concerned about people consuming water from public streams and will continue with its intervention strategies to reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases.
QUESTION NO. 2286. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23 NW2795EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 August 2010
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether the negotiating team that attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bonn in August 2010 achieved its goals; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) what (a) were the most notable outcomes of this conference and (b) are the (i) names and (ii) designations of all the Government's representatives who attended this conference;
(3) (a) what (i) conferences and (ii) bilaterals will members of this team involved in the Climate Change negotiations be attending before the 16th Conference of the Parties in Cancun, Mexico, in December 2010 and (b) what will be the purpose of these meetings in each case?
Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2286. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) South Africa participated in the climate change negotiations in August 2010 held in Bonn, Germany, with the main objectives of:-
(i) ensuring the conversion of the Chair's text to facilitate negotiations into a firm textual basis for future negotiation; and
(ii) ensuring the insertion of South Africa's positions and proposals in the negotiating text.
The Chair's text was accepted as a basis to work on and by the end of the session after much discussion and consultation Parties agreed that with the insertion of missing and competing proposals the final text produced was accepted as a basis for future negotiation. South African proposals are well reflected in the new negotiating text (captured in the attached FCCC/AWGLCA/2010/14document).
(2)
a) South Africa together with the rest of the G77 & China negotiating block insisted that the outcome of the August Bonn session should be regarded as a "negotiating text" that Parties could start to engage with in Tianjin, China in October 2010. This negotiating block wanted to move into full negotiating mode as quickly as possible. What had previously happened is that the Parties where engaging based on the "Chair' text" and questions from the chair that where aimed at facilitating the negotiations. The most notable outcome in Bonn was the production of the Negotiating text. The Parties will go to Tianjin with an objective of narrowing the options and developing convergence in this new text.
b) The Department of Environmental Affairs is the focal point for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Therefore, the South African delegation is headed by the Chief negotiator who is from Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA). However, the delegation comprises delegates from other National departments which include the Chief State Law Advisor from Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). These delegates lead on various negotiations thematic areas according to their expertise. The delegation is also supported in other technical areas by Professors from University of Cape Town (UCT) & South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and technical experts from South African business and a civil society organisation.
SOUTH AFRICA: Attached Names of participants at the AWG-LCA 11 and AWG-KP 13, 29 July 2010 to 06 August 2010, Bonn, Germany
(3)
(a) & (b) Conferences - Invitations to the following climate change related meetings have been accepted due to their relevance to the negotiations, capacity building at national level and our role as an incoming COP President see attached.
(a) & (b) Bi-lateral meetings
· DIRCO plays a critical role in arranging and recommending priority bilateral meetings. DIRCO has played this role effectively for the past 15 years in this process. The past meeting saw SA being flooded with requests for bilateral. This is largely due to the fact that countries and organisation are starting to lobby us as the future COP President. The advantage of being in the TROIKA (past, current and future COP President) is that you get to know the position of each and every country in detail as they present to you. This helps to find a middle ground in your facilitation of the talks as the COP President. We will to play the listening role again in Tianjin, China.
· However, from the SA perspective our priority bilateral engagements will be focussed on key dissenting Parties and blocks such as the US, EU, China, Japan, Russia, Alliance Of Small Island States (AOSIS), The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), ALBA, Brazil South Africa India & China (BASIC) & African group itself to ensure that
1) the negotiations in Cancun do not collapse and give mandate for the COP/CMP in SA, and
2) Cancun reaches an outcome that has clear deliverables & timelines to enable Parties to strengthen the international climate change regime in SA.
QUESTION NO 2285
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 AUGUST 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23)
2285. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether she has been informed of mine or toxic water from another source within Jackeroo Park in the Emalahleni Municipality; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any steps have been taken by her department (a) to stop the flow and (b) rehabilitate the affected surface areas; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether any action has been taken against any person or organisation responsible for the decant; if not, why not; if so, what action? NW2794E
---00O00---
REPLY:
(1) Yes, I have been informed of mine or toxic water from an abandoned pit at Jackaroo Park in the Emalahleni Municipality. My Department undertook site investigations on
7 June 2010 and 10 August 2010 and has subsequently issued a notice of intention to issue a directive for the identified non-compliances and is awaiting a representation from the alleged polluter.
(2)(a) Yes, as indicated in paragraph (1) above, my Department issued a notice for the alleged polluter to take steps to stop the flow of polluted water. The alleged polluter has since taken measures to control the pollution by installing a pump to remove the water to a pollution storage (control) dam on the upstream, thus creating a cone of depression which stops the flow of polluted water to the areas mentioned.
(2)(b) No, my Department will assess the representation (on receipt from the alleged polluter). Should the alleged polluter either fail to provide representation or satisfactory measures to remedy the situation, then my Department will issue a directive in terms of sections 19 and 53 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998) to compel compliance.
(3) Yes, as indicated in paragraph (1) above, my Department has issued a notice of intention to issue a directive to the alleged polluter in terms of sections 19 and 53 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998). If the polluter does not comply this may lead to the issuance of the directive and/or pursuing of a criminal case this will depend on the outcome of the representation that the alleged polluter makes.
QUESTION NO. 2283. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23 NW2792EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 August 2010
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) What action has her department taken up to the latest specified date for which information is available against a certain colliery (name furnished) in Mpumalanga near Mapungubwe;
(2) what transgressions did the said colliery allegedly commit according to the directive issued against it in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998;
(3) whether the said colliery has submitted a section 24G application in terms of the Act for approval of any actions that is alleged to have taken place without the appropriate environmental authorization; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2283. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
1. A Compliance Notice was served on the colliery on 5 August 2010 in terms of section 31L of the National Environmental Management Act. This Notice issued the colliery with the following instructions:
- In respect of the illegally constructed roads, cease with all physical construction-related activities and cease utilising the roads for any purpose whatsoever, until such time as an environmental authorization has been issued;
- In relation to the constructed storage facility for the above ground storage of dangerous goods, cease with any physical construction-related activities associated with this storage tank / storage facility and empty and remove the fuel to a facility that is legally authorised to store such fuel;
- Cease with any further construction activities within the 1:10 flood line and/ or 32 meters from any perennial, non perennial and/or drainage lines;
- Cease with any further installation of the water pipeline network installed from the pump system and cease using the pipeline (for facilitating the movement of water) until such time as an environmental authorisation has been obtained;
- Cease with any physical construction, storage of any materials, removal of any vegetation and/or activities which are likely to cause the removal of vegetation which will cause a further increase in the current development footprint;
- Cease with all construction related activities related to the Sludge Dam. The dam may not be utilised for the storage of any water or waste related products until such time as all authorisations have been obtained from the Department. ;
- Appoint the services of an independent specialist to submit a report to the Department outlining the following:
o Status of compliance with the instructions set out in the notice;
o Status in relation to safety risks associated with each of the activities;
o Site characterisation and evaluation aimed at recommending measures to be implemented to remediate the affected areas where unlawful activities have commenced;
- Appoint an independent accredited environmental consultant / environmental legal specialist to submit a detailed report to the Department assessing the applicability of all relevant environmental legislation to the activities proposed for the site; and
- Install a boom and appoint the services of adequately trained security personnel to strictly control access to the road leading to the affected area.
2. The colliery commenced with certain EIA listed activities in the absence of an environmental authorisation issued by the Department. These activities included the construction of certain roads, activities within 32 metres from the Limpopo River, culverts and other crossings associated with the roads, the expansion of an airfield, clearing of vegetation and transformation of land.
The colliery also proceeded with certain other activities (the construction of the access road specifically and the construction of a storage facility for dangerous goods) despite the fact that the Department had denied authorisation for these activities in response to an EIA application submitted by the colliery.
3. Section 24G applications have recently been received from the colliery. The Department is still assessing these applications and will be able to provide further details after the review.
QUESTION NO. 2282. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23 NW2791EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 August 2010
Mr. M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(a) What are the names of all (i) persons and (ii) entities to whom permits for boat-based whale watching were awarded and (b) what is the area in which the permit can be used in each case?
Mr M J Ellis (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2282. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
The names of all (i) persons and (ii) the entities as well as (b) areas for which Boat-based Whale Watching (BBWW) activity has been provisionally allocated, are listed in the table below. The awards will be finalized once the appeals process has been completed.
| NAME OF PROVISIONALLY SUCCESSFUL BBWW APPLICANT | AREA OF OPERATION | NUMBER OF PERMITS IN AREA |
| Timotheus Marthinus | Arniston / Struisbaai | 1 |
| CK Adventure Tours | Cape Point to Kalk Bay | 1 |
| No permit awarded | Cape St Francis Bay | 1 |
| Waterfront Expeditions | Cape Town | 1 |
| Luxury Oceans Safaris CC Advantage Cruiser | Durban | 2 |
| Eubalena Sea Seafaris CC | Gansbaai | 1 |
| Nusa Fishing Enterprises CC, Sandown Bay Fishing Company and Solar Spectrum Trading 213 (Pty) | Hermanus | 3 |
| Southern Ambition 384 CC | Hout Bay | 1 |
| No permit awarded | Kenton on Sea | 1 |
| Dyer Island Cruises Buyambo Holdings | Kleinbaai | 2 |
| No permit awarded | Knysna | 1 |
| Romonza Boat Trips | Mossel Bay | 1 |
| Chapson CC T/A Ocean Safari, Ocean Ecological Adventures (Pty) Ltd | Plettenberg Bay | 2 |
| Raggy Charters | Port Elizabeth | 1 |
| Advantage Cruiser CC | Richards Bay | 1 |
| No permit awarded | Sodwana Bay | 1 |
| No permit awarded | St Helena Bay | 1 |
| Advantage Cruiser CC, Euro Zulu | St Lucia | 2 |
QUESTION NO 2278
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 AUGUST 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23)
2278. Mr M W Rabotapi (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether her department and/or any of its entities has purchased any 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament (a) clothing or (b) other specified paraphernalia; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, in each case, (i) what are (aa) the details and (bb) the total cost of the items purchased, (ii)(aa) how many items have been purchased and (bb) why, (iii)(aa) to whom has each of these items been allocated and (bb) why have these items been allocated to these persons and (iv)(aa) on what basis was the decision taken to purchase each of these items and (bb) on whose authority was the decision taken to make these purchases? NW2787E
REPLY:
(a) No.
(b) No.
(b)(i)(aa) falls away
(b)(i)(bb) falls away
(b)(ii)(aa) falls away
(b)(ii)(bb) falls away
(b)(iii)(aa) falls away
(b)(iii)(bb) falls away
(b)(iv)(aa) falls away
(b)(iv)(bb) falls away
QUESTION NO. 2247. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23 NW2755EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 August 2010
Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether her department and any of its entities has (a) purchased or (b) leased any buildings for administration (i) in the (aa) 2008-09 and (bb) 2009-10 and (ii) for the 2010-11 financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (aaa) what is the cost of the building, (bbb) what is the size of the building, (ccc) why was it bought or leased, (ddd) what will be its use, (eee) who will occupy it and (fff) approximately how many persons will occupy the total space of each building;
(2) whether her department and any of its entities intends purchasing or leasing any buildings for administration for the (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14 financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (i) what is the cost of each building, (ii) what is the size of each building, (iii) why will it be bought or leased, (iv) for what will it be used, (v) who will occupy it and (vi) approximately how many persons will occupy the total space of each building?
Mr I O Davidson (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2247. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
For the Department:
(1)
(a) No.
(b) Yes.
(i) (aa) See attached spreadsheet for 2008/09 financial year.
(bb) See attached spreadsheet for 2009/10 financial year.
(ii) See attached spreadsheet for 2010/11 financial year.
(aaa) See attached spreadsheet (Cost/Annual Rental Column).
(bbb) See attached spreadsheet (Size of Leased Space Column).
(ccc) To meet the department's office space needs.
(ddd) To accommodate the official's executing administration and related functions.
(eee) Officials of the department.
(fff) See attached spreadsheet (Number of Occupants Column).
(2) Yes. Depending on the future growth of the department.
(a) Unknown at this stage.
(b) Unknown at this stage.
(c) Unknown at this stage.
(i) Unknown at this stage.
(ii) Unknown at this stage.
(iii) To meet the department's future accommodation and related needs.
(iv) To accommodate the officials and related functions.
(v) Officials of the department.
(vi) Unknown at this stage.
QUESTION NO. 2674. INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 29 NW3334EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 September 2010
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Why has she delisted the construction of filling stations under the 2010 environmental impact assessment regulation so that it no longer requires prior environmental authorisations,
(2) whether public consultation was conducted by her department before this decision was arrived at; if not, why not; if so,
(3) (a) how many filling stations have been given approval for construction (i) in 2009 and (ii) during the period 1 January 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what is the breakdown in each province,
(4) whether she will review her decision to delist the construction of filling stations as activities that require prior environmental authorisation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENTHANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS2674. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) Although the current listing notices do not mention filling stations by name, facilities for the storage, or storage and handling of dangerous goods (such as filling stations)are still listed in Government Notices Nos. R 544, R 545 and R 546, provided that the relevant thresholds are met.
The interpretation that the activities inherent in filling stations were delisted is therefore not correct. In this regard the following activities in the three Government Notices (GNs) include filling stations:
o Activity 13 of GNR 544 The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the storage, or for the storage and handling, of a dangerous good, where such storage occurs in containers with a combined capacity of 80 but not exceeding 500 cubic metres.
o Activity 42 of GNR 544 The expansion of facilities for the storage, or storage and handling, of a dangerous good, where the capacity of such storage facility will be expanded by 80 cubic metres or more.
o Activity 3 of GNR 545 The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the storage, or storage and handling of a dangerous good, where such storage occurs in containers with a combined capacity of more than 500 cubic metres.
o Activity 10 of GNR 546 (specified geographical areas) The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the storage, or storage and handling of a dangerous good, where such storage occurs in containers with a combined capacity of 30 but not exceeding 80 cubic metres.
o Activity 23 of GNR 546 (specified geographical areas) The expansion of facilities or infrastructure for the storage, or storage and handling of a dangerous good, where such storage facilities will be expanded by 30 cubic metres or more but less than 80 cubic metres.
Filling stations and similar activities not meeting either the 80 cubic metres or 30 cubic metres threshold mentioned in the above activities would in many (but not all) cases be listed in terms of one or more of the other listed activities in GNRs 544, 545 and 546 (i.e. the construction of a small fuel storage facility in close proximity to a water-course).
(2) The 2010 EIA Regulations were published 3 times for public comment. All comments received in this regard were duly considered (refer to paragraph 4 below). The dates of publication were as follows:
· 4 May 2007;
· 13 June 2008; and
· 13 February 2009.
(3)
| No of filling stations EA Granted | ||
| Province | 2009 | 2010 |
| Eastern Cape | 10 | 7 |
| Free State | 4 | 2 |
| Gauteng | 0 | 8 |
| Kwa-zulu Natal | 17 | 4 |
| Mpumalanga | 6 | 0 |
| North West | 3 | 1 |
| Northern Cape | 1 | 0 |
| Western Cape | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 43 | 23 |
(4) From the reply to question (1) above it can be deducted that filling stations have in substance not been delisted. The rest of the question therefore falls away.