Questions & Replies: Water & Environmental Affairs
2011-09-20
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QUESTION NO. 1065 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1183EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 March 2011
1065. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether, regarding the current applications for gas exploration, she or her department has had any formal interactions with (a) Petroleum Agency SA (PASA) or (b) the Department of Mineral Resources; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether her department has formally registered as an interested and affected party in any of the public consultation processes attached to applications for gas exploration rights; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether her department has undertaken any further studies into the use of hydraulic fracking in the oil and gas industry and its possible effects on the availability and quality of water; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1183E
Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
1065. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has had no formal interaction with Petroleum Agency SA (PASA) or Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) regarding the gas exploration matter. The DEA has however been requested by PASA to comment on an Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPR) for a seismic survey to determine the viability of further exploration for shale gas deposits in the Karoo.
(2) The DEA, being a competent authority in respect of authorisation of activities listed in terms of the Regulations 2010, GN R. 544, 545 and 546, does not register as an interested and affected party in any applications for authorisation in terms of National Environmental Management Act (NEMA). In terms of cooperative governance, other organs of State may however request comments from DEA on specific applications.
(3) The Departments of Water and Environmental Affairs have not undertaken any further studies into the use of hydraulic fracking in the oil and gas industry and its possible effects on the availability and quality of water. However, the department of Water Affairs is concerned about the impact the fracking process will have on both the quality and quantity of groundwater in the Karoo which is the sole source of water for the users in this dry part of the country. We will therefore look at this matter as Water Affairs when the licence for water is applied for.
QUESTION NO. 1064 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1182EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 March 2011
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) When will she announce the final permit holders for (a) boat-based whale watching (BBWW) and (b) White shark cage diving (WSCD);
(2) whether she has completed the appeals process that followed the initial submissions of applications for permits for BBWW and WSCD; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether there has been any communication with applicants to inform them (a) when the final decisions will be made and (b) why it has taken so long to announce the decisions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
1064. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) (a) I will announce the Appeals for boat-based whale watching (BBWW) within the next few weeks as I am currently considering these appeals.
(b) I will announce the appeals for White Shark Cage Diving (WSCD) within the next few weeks as I am currently considering these appeals.
(2) No. The appeals are currently under consideration. The appeals documentation requires detailed consideration. A verification process was initiated during November 2010 to February 2011.
(3) (a) Applicants who have contacted the Department have been advised as to the state of the Appeals Process. They could not be informed thus far of the date of the final announcement of the Appeals as this has not yet been confirmed.
(b) It has taken long to announce the decisions since the appeals documentation requires detailed consideration. A verification process was initiated during November 2010 to February 2011.
QUESTION NO 1058
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 MARCH 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 09)
1058. Mrs. S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether, with reference to the reply to question 775 on 07 September 2009, any (a) pre-notices, (b) directives or (c) criminal charges have been brought against the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality for any transgressions of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, at the Rooiwal sewage treatment works; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether she has been informed that the river below the Rooiwal sewage treatment plant has been foaming for much of 2011; if so, what steps will she take to rectify this situation;
(3) (a) what are the relevant details of the water quality samples that have been taken downstream from the Rooiwal sewage treatment plant in terms of the monitoring programme in the past three months, (b) to what extent does the sewage treatment plant comply with its design capacity and (c) how does effluent discharge from the plant during the period 1 January 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available compare with the effluent discharge standard;
(4) whether any efforts are being made by the municipality to rehabilitate this sewage plant; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1176E
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REPLY:
(1)(a) A notice of intention to issue a directive in terms of section 19 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) was issued on 19 January 2011 .
(1)(b) A directive in terms of section 19 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) was issued on 8 March.
(1)(c) No criminal charges have been laid against the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality as the Municipality submitted an action plan and made representations to the Water Tribunal requesting an extension of time to allow for due process to be followed in line with the Municipal Financial Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003) regarding the procurement of the required goods and services.
(2) The Department is aware of the foaming taking place as a result of the discharge of the partially treated effluent from the Rooiwal Sewage Works, hence the reasons for the issuance of the pre-directive and directive to compel the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality to take corrective measures at the works to address the problem.
(3)(a) The Municipality monitors the quality of water downstream from the Rooiwal sewage treatment plant on a monthly basis. The Department audits the results on a quarterly basis. The auditing of water quality results will resume, upon completion of the refurbishment programme, as per action plan submitted by the Municipality.
(3)(b) The design capacity for the plant is 220 megalitres per day (ML/d) and it is currently operating above the design capacity.
(3)(c) The current effluent discharge does not meet the effluent discharge standards. The action plan submitted by the Municipality for the refurbishment of the plant will address this challenge.
(4) According to the action plan submitted to the Department on 16 March 2011 (in line with the directive issued), the following action is being taken:
· The Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality is currently in the process of appointing the consulting engineers for the extension of the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works.
QUESTION NO 1055
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 MARCH 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 09)
1055. Mr M H Steele (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
In respect of the 2009-10 annual report (details furnished), what (a) are the details of the actions being taken with regard to a bulk water transfer from the Thukela to the Mgeni system, (b) are the anticipated (aa) costs and (bb) benefits and (c) is the projected time frame for the delivery of this project? NW1173E
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REPLY:
(a) The Umgeni Water Board as the bulk water service provider is leading the planning for a project. This scheme is planned to abstract water from the lower reaches of the Thukela River, for treatment at a regional water treatment plant situated in close proximity. Potable water will be delivered southwards to local developments and rural communities and will link into the existing North Coast Supply System. Potable water will also be delivered northwards to the Mandini Municipality to support development. The project will include:
· an abstraction works on the uThukela river
· a 110ML/day treatment plant to be constructed in two modules of 55 megaliters per day each
· bulk rising and gravity mains to supply the treated water both north and south into iLembe District Municipality and eThekwini Metro areas
(b)(aa) The anticipated cost of the project is currently estimated at R660 million. This cost will be confirmed on completion of the detailed planning and design of the project.
(b)(bb) The project will provide an initial additional 55 megaliters a day of water into the existing Umgeni/Umhloti Supply system supplying the KwaDukuza Town, the coastal area, numerous housing developments and commerce and industry in the area.
(c) The detailed feasibility / preliminary design have been undertaken for the project.
The status of the components of the study are detailed below:
| Actions | Status |
| Options analysis | Complete |
| Geotechnical and cathodic protection surveys | Complete |
| Physical Model study and site optimisation | Complete |
| Weir, abstraction and de-silting works – location, size and configuration | Complete |
| Water treatment works – location and configuration | Complete |
| Pipelines, Pump stations and Reservoirs – location and sizing | To be confirmed with Environmental Consultant |
| The draft feasibility / preliminary design report | Will be completed in March 2011 |
| Design consultants to be appointed to undertake the design of the scheme | May 2011 |
| The Environmental Impact Assessment expected to be submitted to Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs | July 2011 |
The Minister in partnership with the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has scheduled a meeting (for 31 March 2011) with the technical teams of the relevant departments and Umgeni Water to find ways of speeding up water delivery.
QUESTION NO 1028
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 MARCH 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 09)
1028. Mr P J C Pretorius (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether any international trips were undertaken by (a) her since assuming office and (b) her deputy minister since 1 April 2010; if so, in each case, (i) which countries did they visit, (ii) on which dates and (iii) what was the (aa) intended outcome and (bb) total cost of (aaa) travel, (bbb) subsistence allowances and (ccc) accommodation;
(2) whether the outcome was achieved in respect of each trip undertaken by (a) her and (b) her deputy minister; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;
(3) whether (a) she and (b) her deputy minister submitted a report of their international trips; if not, why not; if so, (i) when and (ii) to whom was the report on each specified trip submitted;
(4) whether each report that has been submitted by (a) her and (b) her Deputy Minister will be made available or tabled in the National Assembly; if not, why not; if so, when? NW1146E
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REPLY:
(1)(a) Yes, there were international trips undertaken by the Minister since assuming office in November 2010. Refer to attached Annexure.
(1)(b) Yes, there were international trips undertaken by the Deputy Minister from 1 April 2010 - 31 March 2011. Refer to Annexure.
(1) (b) (iii) (aa) (bb) (aaa) (bbb) (ccc) The intended outcome and all related financial expenditure including accommodation costs are in such cases, dealt with in accordance with "guidelines for official travel abroad" as well as chapter 3 and 6 of the Ministerial Handbook.
(2)(a), (b) The outcome in respect of each trip was achieved in line with the relevant provisions of the Ministerial Handbook.
(3) No, because reports to Cabinet and National Assembly through annual reports and/ or/ when Minister and Deputy Minister do so by tabling such report and discussions in the Portfolio Committee meetings are submitted on request and no such request was made. However according to the Department's policy, a report is prepared after each international trip and the report would stipulate what has been achieved from the visit and indicate follow up actions which are a responsibility of the officials to implement.
(4) See response in 3 above.
QUESTION NO. 1006 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1015EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 March 2011
Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether a certain company (name furnished) is (a) receiving and (b) treating any imports of hazardous or persistent organic waste; if not, why not; if so, (i) what is the exact (aa) composition and (bb) quantity of these wastes and (ii) how are they treated?
Mr L W Greyling (ID) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
1006. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
In 2009 and 2010 the Department consented to the import of hazardous waste as follows:
· 14.4 tons of DDT sachet waste from Zambia (2009)
· 15 tons of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) waste & 2949 tons of Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane DDT waste from Zambia (2010)
· 4.5 tons of Dursban waste (organophosphate) from Tanzania (2010)
These amounts of waste were to be treated by thermal desorption at Thermopower (Pty) Ltd.
QUESTION NO. 1005 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW1126EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 March 2011
Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether a certain company (name furnished) has been found dumping any toxic waste effluent into the sea at Vleesbaai; if so, (a) what is the content of the toxic waste effluent, (b) what degree of environmental damage is caused to the sea and (c) what action will she take to curb this practice?
Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
1005. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
No, the Department is not aware of any toxic waste being introduced into the sea in Vleesbaai
(a) No toxic waste effluent has been found to have been dumped in Vleesbaai
(b) Since we are not aware of any toxic waste being found in the sea at Vleesbaai, we are not aware of any environmental damage.
(c) No action is required.
QUESTION NO. 992 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW1110EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 March 2011
Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether her department has a plan to ensure that vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, do not spread throughout the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what plan?
Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
992. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
The department is coordinating the development and implementation of Climate Change Adaptation Sector Plans. The Department of health has submitted a draft sector plan that seeks to address the spread and severity of vector borne diseases. It would be advisable for the committee to consult the Department of Health on a detailed account of activities in this area.
QUESTION NO 991
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 MARCH 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 08)
991. Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether the R750 million aid for flood relief will cover all the flood-affected areas; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the estimated cost of flood damage, (b) how will these costs be covered and (c) what factors determine the geographical allocation of the relief aid? NW1109E
REPLY:
This question falls outside the mandate of the Department and should be referred to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).
QUESTION NO 990
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 MARCH 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 08)
990. Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether her department has been informed of the latest findings in the United States that fracking could contaminate drinking water supplies with radioactivity; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1108E
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REPLY:
Yes, the Department is aware of many studies done in the United States of America as well as other countries on fracking and has to evaluate all relevant information and compare with our own unique geological formations and information which varies from area to area. The Department is also aware of the proposals to explore for gas in the Karoo Basins and has also noted that the exploration may involve the process of fracking of deep shales. The Department is furthermore aware of the potential impact that fracking poses to the shallow aquifer systems which are the sole source of water for the local users. The Department all its powers under the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998, NWA) to manage the risk that this potential development may pose to the water resources. No applications for water use licenses have been submitted yet.
QUESTION NO. 966 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2 NW1084EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 March 2011
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) With reference to the recent provincial consultations on the National Climate Change Response Green Paper which her Department organised, (a) how many of the public attended each event and (b) what are the names and (ii) designations of all staff of her department who attended each event;
(2) (a) what was the total cost of each provincial event and (b) how was the total cost of each event made up
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
966. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
It should be noted that the objective of the Provincial Workshops referred to herein was to facilitate discussion with and solicit input from interested and affected parties some of whom represented their organizations and therefore feeding back and making input from mandates given by their organizations. The objective was to review the National Climate Change Response Green Paper and inform the content for the drafting of the National Climate Change Response White Paper.
1. Please find attached as annexure to this response, a database of all participants to the provincial
consultation workshops on the National Climate Change Response Green Paper with a separate indication of the number of public participants.
(a) The breakdown per province as per how many people (public) attended these consultations in each province as follows:
| PROVINCE | NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC |
| Limpopo | 38 |
| Mpumalanga | 22 |
| KwaZulu Natal | 87 |
| North West | 15 |
| Western Cape | 32 |
| Eastern Cape | 38 |
| Free State | 9 |
| Gauteng | 125 |
| Northern Cape | 7 |
SUMMARY OF ATTENDEES FOR THE 9 PROVINCIAL WORKSHOPS:
Total number of participants: 563
Total number of non-government participants: 348
Total number of government participants: 215
(b) (i) and (ii)
| PROVINCE | OFFICIAL | DESIGNATION |
| Gauteng | Ms Joanne Yawitch | Deputy Director General: Climate Change |
| Mr Mark Gordon | Specialist Advisor: Renewable Energy | |
| Mr Vuyisani Sikobi | Specialist Advisor: Low-Carbon Trade and Industry | |
| Dr Sylvester Mpandeli | Specialist Advisor: Climate Change Adaptation | |
| Ms. Sarisha Ramanand | Deputy Director: LULUCF and Carbon Sinks | |
| Lucky Sindane | Deputy Director: Communications | |
| Mr. Mashumu Mundalama | Assistant Director: Mitigation | |
| Ms Irene Koenze | Assistant Director: Programme and Project Management | |
| Western Cape | Mr. Peter Lukey | Acting DDG: Climate Change |
| Mr. Mark Gordon | Specialist Advisor: Renewable Energy | |
| Mr Vuyisani Sikobi | Specialist Advisor: Low-Carbon Trade and Industry | |
| Dr Sylvester Mpandeli | Specialist Advisor: Climate Change Adaptation | |
| Ms. Dineo Ngobeni | Deputy Director: Administration | |
| Ms Pulane Lodi | Deputy Director: International Climate (Adaptation) | |
| Ms. Sarisha Ramanand | Deputy Director: LULUCF and Carbon Sinks | |
| Mr Lucky Sindane | Deputy Director: Communications | |
| Mr Nkoniseni Ramavhona | Assistant Director: Adaptation | |
| Mr. Mashudu Mundalama | Assistant Director: Mitigation | |
| Ms Irene Koenze | Assistant Director: Programme and Project Management | |
| Ms Fortunate Magoro | Office Administrator | |
| Eastern Cape | Mr Mark Gordon | Specialist Advisor: Renewable Energy |
| Dr Sylvester Mpandeli | Specialist Advisor: Climate Change Adaptation | |
| Ms Pulane Lodi | Deputy Director: International Climate (Adaptation) | |
| Ms. Dineo Ngobeni | Deputy Director: Administration | |
| Mr Nkoniseni Ramavhona | Assistant Director: Adaptation | |
| Ms Irene Koenze | Assistant Director: Programme and Project Management | |
| Northern Cape | Mr Mark Gordon | Specialist Advisor: Renewable Energy |
| Mr Vuyisani Sikobi | Specialist Advisor: Low-Carbon Trade and Industry | |
| Dr Sylvester Mpandeli | Specialist Advisor: Climate Change Adaptation | |
| Ms Irene Koenze | Assistant Director: Programme and Project Management | |
| Free State | Mr Vuyisani Sikobi | Specialist Advisor: Low-Carbon Trade and Industry |
| Dr Sylvester Mpandeli | Specialist Advisor: Climate Change Adaptation | |
| Ms Irene Koenze | Assistant Director: Programme and Project Management | |
| KwaZulu Natal | Ms Joanne Yawitch | Deputy Director General: Climate Change |
| Mr Mark Gordon | Specialist Advisor: Renewable Energy | |
| Ms Irene Koenze | Assistant Director: Programme and Project Management | |
| Limpopo | Mr Mark Gordon | Specialist Advisor: Renewable Energy |
| Mr Vuyisani Sikobi | Specialist Advisor: Low-Carbon Trade and Industry | |
| Dr Sylvester Mpandeli | Specialist Advisor: Climate Change Adaptation | |
| Mr Nkoniseni Ramavhona | Assistant Director: Adaptation | |
| Mr. Mashudu Mundalama | Assistant Director: Mitigation | |
| Ms Irene Koenze | Assistant Director: Programme and Project Management | |
| Mpumalanga | Mr Peter Lukey | Acting DDG: Climate Change |
| Mr Lucky Sindane | Deputy Director: Communications | |
| Ms Irene Koenze | Assistant Director: Programme and Project Management | |
| North West | Dr Sylvester Mpandeli | Specialist Advisor: Climate Change Adaptation |
| Ms Kgomotso Mokgoko | Deputy Director: Communications | |
| Ms. Dineo Ngobeni | Deputy Director: Administration | |
| Ms Irene Koenze | Assistant Director: Programme and Project Management |
2. It should be noted that the total costs for the logistics, venue and conferencing hire as well as the project management for the Provincial workshops process was funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit(GIZ) through the Climate Change Capacity Building Partnership Agreement that is in place between the Department of Environmental Affairs and the German Technical Assistance Programme.
(a) + (b)
| PROVINCE | VENUE | COST PER PROVINCE FULL DAY CONFERENCE PACKAGE |
| Western Cape | Cape Town Lodge | R25 900.00 |
| Eastern Cape | Premier Hotel Regent, East London | R17 830.00 |
| Northern Cape | Garden Court Southern Sun, Kimberley | R23 550.00 |
| KwaZulu Natal | Riverside Hotel, Durban | R48 161.00 |
| Free State | Protea Hotel, Bloemfontein | R17 800.00 |
| North-West | Bakubung, Pilanesberg | R46 213.50 |
| Limpopo | Protea Hotel, Landmark | R13 440.00 |
| Mpumalanga | Protea Hotel, Witbank | R21 437.05 |
| Gauteng | Indaba Hotel, Fourways | R101 977.00 |
| Equipment for all 9 Provinces: Conference Rental | R116 748.70 | |
| TOTAL COST | R433 057.25 | |
QUESTION NO 959
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 MARCH 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 08)
959. Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 118 of 2009 on 22 July 2009, any further steps have been taken to prevent raw sewage from entering the rivers that flow into the Kruger National Park (names furnished); if not, why not; if so, what steps;
(2) what are the relevant details of water quality samples taken at each of the sampling points in the past three months for each of the above rivers,
(3) whether any animals have died in the park since 22 July 2009 as a result of high levels of fæcal pollution in the rivers; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1077E
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REPLY:
(1) Yes, Table 1 below reflects the steps which have been taken by the Department to prevent raw sewage from entering the listed rivers.
Table 1: Steps taken by the Department
| No | Municipality | River | Details |
| a. | Nkomazi | Crocodile | · A directive was issued during October 2009. · A criminal case has been opened (under CAS 118/11/2009) with the Komatipoort South African Police Service (SAPS). This criminal case is still under investigation. |
| b. | Delmas | Olifants | · No further action has been taken as the Municipality submitted an action plan and the Department is currently monitoring its implementation. |
| c. | Emakhazeni | Elands- tributary of the Crocodile | · A directive was issued to the Municipality during |
| d. | Emalahleni | Olifants | · A directive was issued during October 2009. · A criminal case has been opened (under CAS 858/11/2009) with the Komatipoort SAPS). This criminal case was nollied. · The Department has through its Accelerated Infrastructure Programme funding refurbished the Bush Pump Stations and Clarinet 1, 2 and 3. |
| e. | Bushbuckridge | Sabie | · The Department has transferred R5.16 million to the Municipality to optimise the wastewater treatment |
| f. | Thabachweu | Sabie | · No further action has been taken because corrective action has been taken by the Municipality. |
| g. | Mbombela | Crocodile | · No further action has been taken as the Municipality submitted an action plan and the Department is currently monitoring its implementation. |
| h. | Govan Mbeki | Olifants | · No further action has been taken as the Municipality submitted an action plan and the Department is currently monitoring its implementation. |
| i. | Kungwini | Olifants | · No further action has been taken as the Municipality has taken corrective action by re-installation of the cables of the pump station that were stolen. |
| j. | Greater Sekhukhune District | Olifants | · A directive was issued to the Municipality during |
(2) Table 2 below reflects the details of water quality samples taken at each of the sampling points in the past three months for each of the above rivers.
Table 2: Sampling results- December to February 2011
| No | Sampling Point | Parameter (cfu/100ml) | December 2010 | January 2011 | February 2011 | General Standard |
| a) | Olifants River Upstream of Riverview | E. coli | 2419 | 2419 | 2419 | 1000 |
| b) | Olifants River Downstream of Groblersdal | E. coli | Not Applicable | 58 | 192 | 1000 |
| c) | Sabie River at Sabie sawmill | E. coli | nil | nil | 201 | 1000 |
| d) | Sabie River at Kruger Gate | E. coli | 866 | 345 | 67 | 1000 |
| e) | Crocodile at Komatipoort before confluence with the Komati River | E. coli | nil | 2419 | nil | 1000 |
| f) | Crocodile River at Dullstroom | E. coli | 67 | 1732 | 201 | 1000 |
| g) | Groot Sand River Upstream | E. coli | nil | 260 | 201 | 1000 |
| h) | Sand River downstream point | E. coli | nil | 228 | 649 | 1000 |
(3) No animals have died in the Kruger National Park since 22 July 2009 as a result of faecal pollution. This conclusion is based on the standard operating procedure that pollution incidences that kill and/or have the potential to kill aquatic biota (eg fish kills) are reported to the Department and such reports were not lodged with Department's Regional Office: Mpumalanga. Further, on receipt of this national assembly question, the Department confirmed its conclusion with the Kruger National Park.
QUESTION NO. 958 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW1076EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 March 2011
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether her department is researching if a regulated trade in rhino would serve to protect and expand the current rhino population; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether a regulatory impact assessment will be considered to determine the effect that a regulated trade in rhino horn would have on the health of the rhino population; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) when will the next session of the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) that will discuss measures related to the trade in rhino horn be held;
(4) whether her department has had any discussions with conservation representatives of other countries since 1 July 2010 regarding measures to (a) curb rhino poaching and (b) review regulations in the trade of rhino horn; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
958. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) Yes, the department will, as part of the outcomes of the Rhino Summit held in October 2010, commission a feasibility study on the viability of the legalization of the Rhino horn trade in South Africa.
(2) No. A study will however be commissioned to determine whether dehorning can be considered as an interim measure to address security concerns. A preliminary scientific, non – detriment finding, which determines whether trade in a particular species will have a negative impact on the survival of the species in the wild, has been conducted by the National Scientific Authority to determine if the current off take is sustainable.
(3) In August 2011.
(4)(a)(b) Yes, representatives from the Department visited Vietnam in October 2010 to discuss the hunting and illegal killing of rhino's and the subsequent illegal trade in rhinoceros horn. The Department also participated in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Rhino Management Group meeting, attended by representatives from Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and Namibia; and the IUCN Species Survival Commission's African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG), attended by representatives from Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, and Kenya.
QUESTION NO. 956 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW1074EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 March 2011
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether her Department continues to pursue the charge that was laid against the directors of a certain company (name furnished) at the Musina police station (details furnished) for various alleged transgressions in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, and the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;-
(2) Whether her department has provided any representations on the substance of the charge to the investigating officers of the SA Police Service; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?-
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
956. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) The Department initiated a criminal investigation against the said company for contravention of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and National Environmental Management Waste Act (NEMWA).The companies have allegedly committed 32 offences as set out in NEMA and NEMWA and the Department is still pursuing the case.
(2) Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs) (with the same powers as the SAPS investigators) within this Department are conducting the investigation, which will be finalised shortly. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Northern Gauteng Office, is in the process of reviewing the case docket. The reference number for the DPP's office is Ref: 9/2/15/4-9/2011.
QUESTION NO. 955 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW1073EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 March 2011
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) (a) Why has the atmospheric emission licence of a certain company (name furnished) for its Howden RD700 incinerator at its Roodepoort treatment facility not been issued, (b) when did the company first apply for this licence and (c) when is it envisaged that such licence will be issued;
(2) why did her department not issue the company with the licence for the new incinerator before the company was expected to close its other two incinerators at the company's Roodepoort facility which affected the ability of various medical waste service providers to have their collected health care risk waste treated at the facility?
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
955. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
The Department of Environmental Affairs is no longer the responsible licencing authority. On 1 April 2010, the responsibility for atmospheric emission licencing was handed over to District and Metropolitan Municipalities when the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (No 39 of 2004) was fully brought into effect. The relevant licencing authority in this case would be the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and we suggest that the question is referred accordingly.
Even-though the Department is no longer a licensing authority, this issue was brought to the Department's attention and the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan was supported and the license was issued on
10 March 2011.
QUESTION NO 953
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 MARCH 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 08)
953. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether an external consultant to her department gained access to the financial management system of the department during or about June 2010 and processed a payment from the department to his/her personal bank account; if so, how much money did the consultant pay him/herself;
(2) whether any investigation has been conducted into this incident; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether (a) the external consultant has been (i) arrested and (ii) charged with misappropriating money from the department and (b) any departmental official has been (i) arrested and (ii) charged for aiding the consultant in gaining access to the department's financial management system; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether her department is currently writing off the stolen funds on a monthly basis; if not, (a) how and (b) when will these funds be recovered; if so, how can this be justified? NW1071E
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REPLY:
(1) Yes, an external consultant (details furnished) fraudulently attempted to transfer R12 802,118.43 from the Department's account. An amount of 9, 958,419.10 was however rejected by the Departments safety web system and the payment of R2, 843 699.33 was successfully transferred. The consultant was employed as a SAP Plant Maintenance Consultant to perform the following functions on the system; all system development and enhancements in the Plant Maintenance module (Construction) and offer transactional support to the construction users in their daily activities, however he gained an access to all functionality (SAP ALL) which enabled him to perform those functions that were outside his ambit of duties.
(2) Yes, the internal audit (IA) in the Department conducted investigation that revealed that the consultant requested the access to the system given the tasks he needed to perform and he was therefore granted administrators rights access necessitating him to perform such tasks. However, he abused those rights and transferred funds from one account to the other account as a beneficiary. The IA therefore, given the outcome of the investigation report, recommended that the department open the police case against the consultant. In addition the department has instituted a civil claim against the consultant and the company that employed the consultant on the basis of vicarious liability for the recovery of the money stolen by the consultant during the course of his employment. In response to the department's civil claim, he has made an offer which the department is still discussing.
(3) Criminal charges were laid with the SAPS, CAS 445/06/2010 on 09 June 2010. The external consultant was arrested and he is currently out on bail. The court case sat on 9 June 2011, however the court case was postponed until the 28 July 2011 for further investigations.
(4) The Department does not write off any stolen funds.
QUESTION NO. 953 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW1071EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 March 2011
Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether an external consultant to her department gained access to the financial management system of the department during or about June 2010 and processed a payment from the department to his/her personal bank account; if so, how much money did the consultant pay him/herself;
(2) whether any investigation has been conducted into this incident; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether (a) the external consultant has been (i) arrested and (ii) charged with misappropriating money from the department and (b) any departmental official has been (i) arrested and (ii) charged for aiding the consultant in gaining access to the department's financial management system; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether her department is currently writing off the stolen funds on a monthly basis; if not, (a) how and (b) when will these funds be recovered; if so, how can this be justified?
Mr M J Ellis (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
953. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) No consultant that we are aware of gained access to the financial management system of the department
(2) Not Applicable
(3) Not Applicable
(4) Not Applicable
QUESTION NO 936
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 MARCH 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 08)
936. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether she has been informed of the Water Quality and Environmental Report produced by Umgeni Water in January 2011; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether her department has taken any action to improve the quality of water in the (a) E J Smith, (b) Inanda and (c) Shongweni Dams, all of which currently have high algae counts; if not, why not; if so, what action;
(3) whether her department is taking any action to improve the quality of the status of the (a) Sterkspruit inflow into the Shongweni Dam and (b) Mthinzima inflow into the Midmar Dam; if not, why not; if so, what action? NW1054E
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REPLY:
(1) Yes, the Department is in receipt of the Water Quality and Environmental Report that is produced by the Umgeni Water as it is submitted to the Department's Regional Office: KwaZulu-Natal on a monthly basis. The report presents a summary of the status of the water resource monitoring and a summary of portable water quality audit monitoring conducted by the Umgeni Water. The raw water and portable water data is also reported into the Department's electronic Blue Drop Water Quality Regulatory System.
(2)(a) Yes, the Department, in conjunction with the Umgeni Water has established the Mzimayi Catchment Management forum to address water quality issues within the catchment of the EJ Smith Dam. The focus of this forum is to improve the water quality of the Mzimayi River which flows into the EJ Smith Dam. This forum consists of officials from the Department, the Ugu District Municipality, the Umgeni Water, the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Southern Africa (WESSA) as well as community representatives.
(2)(b) Yes, the Department makes use of the Inanda Catchment Management Forum to identify and deal with issues affecting water quality within the catchment leading to the Inanda Dam. This forum consists of officials from the Department, the Department of Mineral Resources, municipalities, the Umgeni Water, WESSA), a representative from the Duzi-Umgeni Conservancy Trust as well as community representatives.
(2)(c) Yes, the Department has conducted a water quality status and preliminary resource quality objectives study on the Sterkspruit River with an aim of developing a longer-term proactive strategy to address the water quality problems of this catchment and improve the quality of the Shongweni Dam.
(3)(a) Yes, the Department has conducted a water quality status and preliminary resource quality objectives study on the Sterkspruit River with an aim of developing a longer-term proactive strategy to address the water quality problems of this catchment. The study has been completed and the Department is in a process of developing a strategy to improve water quality.
(3)(b) Yes, the Department has held the meetings on 16 March 2011 with the Umgungundlovu District Municipality to highlight the problems in Mpophomeni and to improve operation of the systems. To this end, a specialist water quality study was conducted on the Mpophomeni catchment and measures recommended to improve the current situation include:
| No | Activity | Status |
| 1 | The re-commissioning and upgrade of the Mpophomeni Wastewater Treatment Works | Currently in progress |
| 2 | The rehabilitation and correct management of the wetlands in the area. The rehabilitation of the wetlands in the area | Currently being addressed through the Working for Wetlands Programme. Thus far, an initial site assessment has been completed and funds have been secured for the rehabilitation. |
| 3 | The provision of proper solid waste services in the area and the application of proper water services maintenance management, and response timeframes | On 16 March 2011, the Department presented the water quality issues and impacts in the Mpophomeni catchment to the Umgungundlovu District Municipality's Municipal Manager and they committed to address the solid waste and water services problems. |
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 March 2011
Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether her department has conducted an investigation with regard to the allegation that the regional manager of SAN Parks' frontier parks (name furnished) had attempted to translocate a leopard (details furnished) without the permission of CapeNature to Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any disciplinary action will be taken against the said official if the allegation was found to be true; if not, why not; if so, what action?
Mr I O Davidson (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
934. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) No. The Department does not conduct investigations on SANParks employees. This is the responsibility of the Board of SANParks which is the Managing Authority. An investigation was conducted by SANParks into the allegation by the Landmark Foundation that the Regional Manager of SANParks Frontier Region had attempted to translocate a leopard without the permission of Cape Nature. As a consequence of the investigation a report was written and sent to the Dept of Environmental Affairs, Cape Nature and to the complainant.
(2) No. The investigation concluded that the allegations made against the Regional Manager were unfounded and unsubstantiated, and there was no prima facie case against the said individual. No disciplinary action was therefore taken in this regard.
QUESTION NO. 933 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW1051EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 March 2011
Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether her department intends motivating to the signatories of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) for an outright ban on the trade in cycads from South Africa; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) how many (a) cycad plants were exported in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and (b) of these had been propagated artificially;
(3) what steps is her department taking to ensure that the critically endangered status of specified South African cycads improves?
Mr I O Davidson (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
933. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) No, the Convention and the CITES Regulations make provision for the Scientific Authority to perform a Non-Detrimental Finding (NDF) to establish whether international trade would be detrimental for the survival of a species, upon which the Management Authority can refuse an export permit. The department is of the opinion that this provision is currently adequate to determine whether international trade in cycads should be restricted.
| 2008 | 2009 |
| 11852 | 14952 |
(2) (a)
The data for 2010 will only be available later in the year (October 2011)):
(b) All the cycads exported for the period under question have been artificially propagated.
(3) On 15 February 2011 the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) published a notice for public comment in the Gazette, relating to prohibited local and international trade in specific sizes of critically endangered cycad species; or in specific sizes of endangered cycad species unless appropriately marked (copy of the notice hereto attached).
The department is further in the process of finalizing, for implementation, a Biodiversity Management Plan, developed in terms of National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), for the Albany cycad, which aims to ensure its survival in the wild.
QUESTION NO. 932 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW1050EDATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 March 2011
932. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) What is the justification for the two new hotel developments at Malelane and Skukuza in the Kruger National Park;
(2) what entity is the competent authority for the purposes of ruling on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the project at Malelane;
(3) whether the EIA for the Malelane development will consider (a) the extent to which the proposed development complies with clause 20 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Act 57 of 2003, and (b) the impact on the (i) environmental, (ii) archaeological and (iii) cultural aspects of the park; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW1050E
932. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
1. The commercialisation program for SANParks was approved in 2001. According to this program, developments like luxury safari concessions and lodges may be developed in certain areas of the park. These developments must of necessity also be in line with the conservation value and imperative and the management plan of that particular park and will furthermore be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
2. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is the competent authority to process
and evaluate the EIA and make a decision in this regard. In a case where there is an appeal to be heard, the Minister of Justice is the competent authority to adjudicate on such appeal.
3. During the prescribed EIA process under the EIA regulations in NEMA, all of the above applicable sets of legislation will have to be considered. This Department will also, in line with the prescribed EIA process, obtain comments from all relevant departments and statutory bodies that administer this legislation, prior to its decision on this matter. The draft scoping report and amendments contains all the relevant details and can be downloaded from the website as follows: http://www.ilaweb.co.za/downloads.htm. The EIA for the Malelane Hotel development is underway with further specialist studies still to be completed.
QUESTION NO 931
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 MARCH 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 08)
931. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) With reference to her reply to question 2087 on 18 August 2010, as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) which municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal currently have notices or directives issued against them in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, (b) when was the notice or directive issued, (c) why was the notice or directive issued and (d) what was the response from the municipality;
(2) whether, since 1 August 2010, any of these municipalities have had criminal charges brought against them for transgressions in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1049E
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REPLY:
(1)(a) No municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal have notices or directives issued to them in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 since the reply to question 2087 on 18 August 2010.
(1)(b) No further notices or directive have been issued
(1)(c) No further notices or directive have been issued.
(1)(d) Refer to (a) above
(2) No, none of the municipalities have had criminal charges brought against them for transgressions in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998). As part of Compliance Enforcement Protocol, public institutions are notified of their non compliance while simultaneously being supported to improve and become compliant. The KwaZulu-Natal provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is closely involved in implementing turn around strategies at municipalities to address institutional shortcomings.