Water & Environmental Affairs

2011-11-16

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QUESTION NO. 2645 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28 NW3097E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 09 September 2011

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether SA National Parks (SANParks) consulted all relevant stakeholders regarding the proposed Malelane development; if not, why not; if so, (a) who were consulted, (b) when were they consulted and (c) what was the outcome of these consultations?

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2645. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

Yes.

In terms of the EIA Act and Regulations the consultation process is still underway. Many stakeholders have been consulted and a few others are still to be consulted. The stakeholders include Aikona, the Nkomazi East Association of Bed and Breakfast Owners, Pestana Lodge, the Community Forum representing 3 million people living in the Kruger buffer zone, the Lowveld Business & Tourism Association (LCBT), NAFCOC, Traditional Leaders, Municipalities of Ehlanzeni-Mbombela-Bushbuckridge-Nkomazi-Phalaborwa-Mopani; TBCSA, WWF, Peace Parks Foundation . SANParks consulted with the broad tourism industry at the 2011 Tourism Indaba where they presented to a large majority of local, continental and international tour operators. They have also made presentations to the Portfolio Committee of Water and Environment and the Select Committee on Trade and Industry & Economic Affairs. They have consulted labour unions and COSATU as well.

Specifically the following stakeholders were also consulted:

· Department of Water Affairs (DWA);

· Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT);

· Game Rangers Association of Africa;

· Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA);

· South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA);

· Nkomazi Local Municipality;

· Crocodile River Major Irrigation Board;

· Adjacent Land owners as per the Database;

· Pestana Kruger Lodge;

· Leopard Creek Estate;

· MEDET;

· MTPA;

· Dep Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, Forestry Region;

· World Wide Fund for Nature;

· Cape Fruit Processors;

· Karino Farm;

· Wild Break;

· TSB Suiker;

· Clean Stream Biological Services;

· Malelane Sakekamer;

· Crocodile River Irrigation Board;

· Komati River Chalets;

· Mjejane Trust;

· Lowveld Threatened Plants Project;

· Legedlane Developers;

· Mjejane River Lodge;

· Mjejane Game Reserve Home Owners Association;

· Lukimbi Safari Lodge;

· Rhino Walking Safaris;

· Nkomazi Business Forum;

· NECCTA;

· Onderberg Farmers Union;

· Malelane Farmers Association;

· Strijdomblok Farmers Association

· Malelane Irrigation Board;

· Komati River Association Board;

· Kruger Park South Tourism Centre;

· Environmental Sciences NW University;

· Beeld;

· Lowvelder;

· Mhlati Guest Cottages;

· Shishangeni Private Lodge

· Jock Safari Lodge

· Tinga Private Game Lodge

· SA River Health Programme

· Malelane Library

· Malelane Apteek

· Riverside Farms

· Hamiltons

· Malelane Gholf Club

· Cape Fruit Processors

The initial public participation process undertaken by the Independent Environmental Consultants commenced on 15 July 2010 and included the following:

· A legal notice placed in the Corridor Gazette and the Mpumalanga News;

· Site notices erected at the KNP Malelane and Skukuza Entrance Gates as well as at a local shopping centre in Malelane and at the Malelane Library

· An advertisement, notifying the public of the EIA and inviting I&AP's to participate in the process by registering their comments with the Independent Environmental Consultants was placed in the Corridor Gazette and the Mpumalanga News. A notice has also been placed in the Sunday Times Newspaper which appeared on 19 December 2010

· Site Notice - In order to notify the surrounding communities, adjacent landowners and other key stakeholders of the proposed development, as well as inviting them to participate in the EIA process by registering their comments with the Independent Environmental Consultants (full contact details provided), site notices were erected at visible locations on 15 July 2010.

The most significant concerns raised up to date by Interested and Affected Parties are;

· Ecological impacts associated with development in a Protected Area;

· Financial impacts on existing concessions and tourist facilities outside the park boundary;

· Additional traffic which may be generated by the Hotel;

· Provision of services;

· Cumulative impacts to the KNP associated with the development proposal.

All comments were noted and will be addressed on a continual basis during the EIA Phase of the project. Documents to be produced will comply with the requirements stipulated in the Regulations 32-35 published in Government Notice R385 under Section 24(5) read with Section 44 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) as amended.

QUESTION NO. 2634 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28 NW3085E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 09 September 2011

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether her department entered into any new lease agreements since 2009; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many new lease agreements have been entered into and (b) what is the amount of these lease agreements;

(2) whether her department strictly followed all the specified procurement requirements of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999 in respect of each of these lease agreements; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2634. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) Yes

(a) 1 Lease Agreement

(b) The department concluded a lease agreement to house its staff under the Chief Directorate: Social Responsibility Policy Programme in Bloemfontein for a period of two years, amounting to R246 363.12 (including annual escalation fees).

(2) Yes. All due processes in terms of section 38(1) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2009 (Act No. 1 of 1999, as amended) have been followed.

QUESTION NO. 2633 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28 NW3084E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 09 September 2011

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether her department has made any progress with regard to combating the growing trend of non-compliance and non-adherence to the environmental legislative framework as referred to in the 2011-16 strategic plan of the Department of Environmental Affairs; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2633. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

The national department, on an annual basis, collects compliance and enforcement statistics from various environmental authorities in order to gain a national perspective of how the sector is performing in response to non-compliances with environmental legislation. The reporting institutions include the national department and 9 provincial environmental authorities, national statutory bodies, such as SANParks and iSimangaliso; as well as the provincial parks agencies.

This information is compiled into a National Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Report and includes a range of information related to environmental compliance and enforcement, including the number of designated Environmental Management Inspectors, the number of inspections, criminal and administrative enforcement actions, as well as the types of sentences being handed down by criminal courts for environmental offenders. The report also details the types of non-compliances found at large industrial facilities in a range of priority sectors.

The content of the 2010-11 National Compliance and Enforcement Report is in the final stages of receiving approval and will imminently be published. This report will provide a general summary of how environmental authorities (including the national department) are performing in the combating of non-compliance with environmental legislation.

QUESTION NO. 2632 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28 NW3083E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 09 September 2011

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether any prosecutions or arrests have been made regarding the 15 criminal investigations of noncompliance in respect of environmental legislation in 2010-11 as reported on page 8 of her department's 2010-11 annual report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2632. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

The number of 15 refers to criminal investigations that have been finalised and dockets handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision on whether or not to prosecute. Each of the
15 cases are set out below, providing a brief summary of either the outcome of the case (including the date on which the court made a decision) or providing the status quo if the relevant case is still within the prosecution process. Please note that it was not necessary in respect of any of the cases mentioned below to effect arrests in order to bring the accused to court. This was achieved by means of summons.

1. Swartvlei (Richard Baston) - The accused was found guilty and sentenced on 29 August 2011 to a fine of R40 000 or 6 months imprisonment, wholly suspended and he was ordered to pay R20 000 to SANParks for damages.

2. Boschkop - The docketcame back from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with further instructions which were attended to by the investigator. The docket was returned to the DPP's office on 26 August 2011 for a final decision on whether or not to prosecute.

3. Drum Factory (Paula Cristina Palmeirao and Michael De Scally) - The accused was found guilty and sentenced on 21 July 2011 to a fine of R5 000 or 6 months imprisonment for contravention of the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act, 1965, and R5 000 or two years imprisonment for National Environmental Management: Waste Act contravention.

4. Skukuza -The accused is appearing in Nelspruit Regional Court on 11 October 2011.

5. Parrow - The accused appeared in Ravensmead Regional Court on 13 September 2011.

6. George Waste - The DPP declined to prosecute.

7. Naudeville (Dr Pelado Makakane) - The accused was found guilty and sentenced on
26 November 2010 to a fine of R25 000 and a further R25 000 or 1 year imprisonment suspended for 3 years on condition that she obtain the service of a registered waste company to collect the waste exhibit at the SAPS 13 and have it correctly disposed of on or before
31 January 2011.

8. Minemet - The DPP has declined to prosecute.

9. SMR - The accused is appearing in the Vereeniging Regional Court on 29 September 2011.

10. Innovative Recycling - The accused is appearing in the Pretoria Regional Court on the
26 March 2012 for trial.

11. Daveyton HCRW - The case has been provisionally withdrawn for the finalisation of the investigation in relation to charges that fall outside environmental legislation. Once this investigation is finalised, the case will be enrolled again.

12. Dawn Park Drums - The two accused were arrested and are appearing in the Vosloorus Regional Court on 27 September 2011.

13. KLM Drums - The accused appeared in the Vereeniging Regional Court on 15 September 2011.

14. Interwaste - The case docket is still with the DPP's office for a decision on whether or not to prosecute.

15. Silicon Smelters - The accused was found guilty and sentenced on 15 August 2011 to a fine of R2 million, half of which was suspended on certain conditions, in relation to the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act contravention and a fine of R1 million, half of which was suspended on certain conditions, for contravening section 28(14) of the National Environmental Management Act.

QUESTION NO. 2629

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 9 SEPTEMBER 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28)

2629. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Since her reply to question 879 on 3 November 2009, (a) what is the latest number of water services authorities (WSAs) that have submitted water services development plans (WSDPs), (b) what are the names of the WSAs that are currently preparing WSDPs and (c) what are the names of the individual WSAs that are not preparing WSDPs and neither have submitted WSDPs;

(2) whether any of the provinces do not have structured reporting mechanisms on WSDPs implementation compliance; if so, (a) which provinces and (b) why, in each case;

(3) whether, since her reply was received on 3 November 2009, there has been any improvement in the Department of Water's ability to assess the WSDPs of WSAs for feasibility in line with national and regional water demand and supply; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3080E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) Since 2009, 152 out of a total of 153 existing water services authorities (WSAs), including the previous 107 WSAs, have submitted their water services development plans (WSDPs).

(1)(b) The WSAs that are currently preparing updated WSDPs are listed below:

District Municipalities (DM)		Local Municipalities (LM)
Alfred Nzo DM	DC44
Cacadu DM	DC10	Ikwezi LM	EC103
Cacadu DM	DC10	Makana LM	EC104
Nelson Mandela Bay Metro	NMA	Nelson Mandela Bay Metro	NMA
ORTambo DM	DC15
Cacadu DM	DC10	Sunday's River Valley LM	EC106
Cacadu DM	DC10	Ndlambe LM	EC105
		Joe Gqabi LM
Cacadu DM	DC10	Blue Crane Route LM	EC102
Cacadu DM	DC10	Kou-Kamma LM	EC109

District Municipalities		Local Municipalities
Lejweleputswa DM	DC18	Nala LM	FS185
Xhariep DM	DC16	Mohokare LM	FS163
Xhariep DM	DC16	Letsemeng LM	FS161
Lejweleputswa DM	DC18	Tswelopele LM	FS183
Lejweleputswa DM	DC18	Masilonyana LM	FS181
Motheo DM	DC17	Mantsopa LM	FS173
Thabo Mofutsanyane DM	DC19	Maluti a Phofung LM	FS194
Fezile Dabi DM	DC20	Mafube LM	FS205
Fezile Dabi DM	DC20	Metsimaholo LM	FS204
Lejweleputswa DM	DC18	Tokologo LM	FS182
Motheo DM	DC17	Mangaung LM	FS172
Motheo DM	DC17	Naledi LM	FS171
Thabo Mofutsanyane DM	DC19	Nketoana LM	FS193
Xhariep DM	DC16	Kopanong LM	FS162
West Rand DM	DC48	Mogale City LM	GT481
West Rand DM	DC48	Randfontein LM	GT482
Sedibeng DM	DC42	Midvaal LM	GT422
Sedibeng DM	DC42	Emfuleni LM	GT421
West Rand DM	DC48	Merafong City LM	NW405
West Rand DM	DC48	Westonaria LM	GT483
UMgungundlovu DM	DC22
Umkhanyakude DM	DC27
iLembe DM	DC29
Sisonke DM	DC43
Amajuba DM	DC25	Newcastle LM	KZ252
Uthungulu DM	DC28	uMhlathuze LM	KZ282
Waterberg DM	DC36	Thabazimbi LM	NP361
Waterberg DM	DC36	Bela-Bela LM	NP366
Waterberg DM	DC36	Mookgopong LM	NP364
Waterberg DM	DC36	Modimolle LM	NP365
Ehlanzeni DM	DC32	Umjindi LM	MP323
Ehlanzeni DM	DC32	Nkomazi LM	MP324
Nkangala DM	DC31	Thembisile LM	MP315
Nkangala DM	DC31	Emakhazeni LM	MP314
Gert Sibande DM	DC30	Albert Luthuli LM	MP301

District Municipalities		Local Municipalities
Gert Sibande DM	DC30	Govan Mbeki LM	MP307
Ehlanzeni DM	DC32	Mbombela LM	MP322
Gert Sibande DM	DC30	Lekwa LM	MP305
Gert Sibande DM	DC30	Mkhondo LM	MP303
Gert Sibande DM	DC30	Msukaligwa LM	MP302
Nkangala DM	DC31	Steve Tshwete LM	MP313
Bojanala DM	DC37	Moses Kotane LM	NW375
Bojanala DM	DC37	Kgetlengrivier LM	NW374
Southern DM	DC40	City of Matlosana Muni	NW403
Southern DM	DC40	Maquassi Hills LM	NW404
Bojanala DM	DC37	Rustenburg LM	NW373
Ngaka Modiri Molema DM	DC38
Dr RSM Mompati
Namakwa DM	DC6	Hantam LM	NC065
Pixley ka Seme DM	DC7	Emthanjeni LM	NC073
Siyanda DM	DC8	Kai Garib LM	NC082
Siyanda DM	DC8	Mier LM	NC081
Frances Baard DM	DC9	Sol Plaatjie LM	NC091
Pixley ka Seme DM	DC7	Umsobomvu LM	NC072
Frances Baard DM	DC9	Dikgatlong LM	NC092
Frances Baard DM	DC9	Magareng LM	NC093
Frances Baard DM	DC9	Phokwane LM	NC094
John Taolo Gaetsewe DM	DC45	Gamagara LM	NC453
Namakwa DM	DC6	Kamiesberg LM	NC064
Namakwa DM	DC6	Karoo Hoogland LM	NC066
Namakwa DM	DC6	Khai-Ma LM	NC067
Namakwa DM	DC6	Nama Khoi LM	NC062
Namakwa DM	DC6	Richtersveld LM	NC061
Pixley ka Seme DM	DC7	Kareeberg LM	NC074
Pixley ka Seme DM	DC7	Renosterberg LM	NC075
Pixley ka Seme DM	DC7	Siyathemba LM	NC077
Pixley ka Seme DM	DC7	Thembelihle LM	NC076

District Municipalities		Local Municipalities
Siyanda DM	DC8	Kheis LM	NC084
Siyanda DM	DC8	Kgatelopele LM	NC086
West Coast DM	DC1	Bergrivier LM	WC013
Central Karoo DM	DC5	Prince Albert LM	WC052
Eden DM	DC4	Prince Albert LM	WC047
Central Karoo DM	DC5	Prince Albert LM	WC051
City of CT Metro	CPT	City of Cape Town Metro	CPT
Eden DM	DC4	George LM	WC044
Eden DM	DC4	Knysna LM	WC048
Overberg DM	DC3	Overstrand LM	WC032
Overberg DM	DC3	Swellendam LM	WC034
West Coast DM	DC1	Bergrivier LM	WC013
West Coast DM	DC1	Cederberg LM	WC012
West Coast DM	DC1	Swartland LM	WC015
West Coast DM	DC1	Matzikama LM	WC011
Eden DM	DC4
Overberg DM	DC3	Cape Agulhas LM	WC033
Eden DM	DC4	Oudtshoorn LM	WC045

(1)(c) There is only one WSA, the Ngaka Modiri Molema WSA in the North West Province, that has not submitted its WSDP.

(2)(a The electronic system developed by the Department is a structured reporting mechanism for all provinces. Since 2009, this system has guided municipalities with their annual reporting format and as such 68 annual reporting business plans – spread throughout the nine provinces – have been submitted indicating compliance.

(2)(b) Falls away.

(3) The situation is unchanged. However, all WSDPs received by the Department are assessed through a comprehensive assessment tool. TheDepartment embarked on a series of studies to assess the water resource requirements (current and future) for each town and village (or clusters of them) in the country, as well as the water resources and other measures available to supply these requirements. About 80% of the towns are covered and reports are available. The remainder will be completed by March 2012. The WSDPs will have to be aligned with these strategies as far as the water resource requirements are concerned.

QUESTION NO. 2628 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28 NW3079E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 09 September 2011

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

(1) (a) How many unresolved land claims exist in each of the parks administered by the South African National Parks (SANParks) and (b) what is the (i)(aa) size of each land claim in hectares and (bb) size of each land claim as a percentage of the total land mass of the relevant park and (ii) current status of each of the claims;

(2) whether any efforts are being made by SANParks to help resolve land claims in a way that maintains the existing integrity of the national parks; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mr G R Morgan (DA)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS 2628. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) (a) According to our records, there are 7 National Parks affected by land claims. However, the responsibility for administration verification of the land claims rest with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. The Department of Environmental Affairs is therefore not in a position to confirm the sizes and percentage of land mass under claim.

(2) Yes, co-operation between SANParks and the Restitution Commission in the settlement of land claims in National Parks ensures a very delicate balance between interests of the claimants and government's other objectives in preserving these uniquely valuable sensitive areas in perpetuity. This approach is articulated in the "policy on settlement of Restitution claims on protected areas, world heritage sites and state forests under national government.

QUESTION NO. 2627 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28 NW3078E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 09 September 2011

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

(1) Whether the Kruger National Park and the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe have a corridor opened between them as part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether she has found that Gonarezhou National Park remains a viable component of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2627. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) No. The corridor is not yet opened, due to the fact that it requires considerable amount of resources in terms of time and finances for extensive consultations, planning and construction of tourist access facilities (road and a bridge over the Limpopo River), as well as proclamation and development of Sengwe Communal land in Zimbabwe as a protected area providing a link between Gonarezhou and Kruger National Park.

(2) Yes. The linkage between Gonarezhou and Kruger National Park as part of the development of Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park is viable in the long term, either through the development of tourist access facilities (road and a bridge over the Limpopo River) or proclamation and development of Sengwe Communal land as a protected area to facilitate cross border movement of animals in a secured environment.

QUESTION NO. 2540 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW2962E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 02 September 2011

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether alternative sites have been considered for the Malelane hotel development in the Kruger National Park; if not, why not; if so, which sites?

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2540. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

Yes, SANParks identified five possible sites for the Malelane Hotel development.

The five sites identified as follows:

Site 1 - This is a rehabilitated area at the confluence of the Matjulu River and Crocodile River on the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park (KNP). This proposed site was previously used as a roads construction camp and was accessed via a gravel management road. GPS co-ordinates S 25º26'40.0"; E031º31'53.0"

Site 2 - This is a "Green Fields" site in the southern eastern corner of the Kruger National Park (KNP). This proposed site is situated at the confluence of the TimfeneSpruit and the Crocodile River on the southern boundary of the Park. GPS co-ordinates S 25º24'41.5"; E031º34'43.3".

Site 3 - This is a "Green Fields" area close to the tar road (H3) and just southwest of the existing Malelane Entrance Gate in the southern portion of the Kruger National Park (KNP). GPS co-ordinates S 25º27'76.2"; E031º32'15.0"

Site 4 - This is a "Green Fields" area close to the tar road (H3) and just northwest of the existing Malelane Entrance Gate in the southern portion of the Kruger National Park (KNP). GPS co-ordinates S 25º27'44.8"; E031º31'98.7"

Site 5 - This proposed site is close to the tar road (H3) and just northwest of the existing Malelane Entrance Gate in the southern portion of the Kruger National Park (KNP). GPS co-ordinates
S 25º27'32.8"; E031º31'53.7".

QUESTION NO. 2539 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW2961E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 02 September 2011

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

a) Whether there is a financial backlog regarding the management of conservation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the current backlog and (b) measures have been put in place to ensure that the backlog is eliminated?

b) Secure adequate financial resources to meet sector objectives based on a sound understanding of the costs of implementation of environmental legislation at all spheres of government. Increase own sources of revenue from the increased implementation of the polluter pays principle through user charges and other mechanisms.

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2539. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

a) Yes, The National Biodiversity Framework costing exercise undertaken in 2009 suggested a total funding shortfall of approximately R 3.4 billion (47%). A study into management effectiveness of protected areas, undertaken during 2009/10 estimated the minimum conservation costs to 30% aggregate underfunding, largely because provincial environment departments have to compete with other critical functions such as health, education and social welfare.

b) i) due to the fact that nature conservation is a concurrent competence, provinces have been encouraged to engage their treasuries and motivate for additional funding as well as explore innovative mechanisms of generating their own revenue in order to minimise their reliance on state funding

ii) South African National Parks (SANParks) has developed a commercialisation strategy in order to enhance its revenue generation capacity and has stepped up its efforts at fundraising in order to tap into external funding.

iii) Additional funding has been secured over the years by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) for all its public entities as evidenced by growth in budget allocations.

iv) The department continues to engage National Treasury for additional budget in particular for land acquisition and infrastructure development and maintenance.

v) Development of a business case for biodiversity conservation is underway coordinated by DEA and South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) jointly.

QUESTION NO 2519

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 02 SEPTEMBER 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27)

2519. Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether she has taken any further steps in collaboration with other institutions with regard to dealing with contaminated water flowing into the Kruger National Park as a result of acid mine drainage; if not, why not; if so, what (a) plans and (b) are the further relevant details? NW2938E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) Yes, there are currently operational forums that deals with the pollution issues including acid mine drainage. Among others, is the Olifants River Forum and the Olifants, Limpopo, Luvuvhu and Letaba Water and Inkomati Environment Forum. The Department in its authorisation of the mines, requires mines to provide short, medium and long term water management strategies, with regard to the management of the operation and the mines and this is controlled through a framework called the Integrated Waste and Water Management Plan and this is reviewed and updated annually. The Department also has a plan to ensure that all unauthorised water users are speedily authorised with water use licenses and this is done through the Departmental Letsema Project.

The Department has refurbished the Brugspruit acid mine drainage neutralisation plant during March 2011 and is currently operational. The treated water is discharged into Brugspruit (the stream) to improve the water quality of the river.

(1)(b) The Olifants River Forum has initiated a multi-disciplinary study project managed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to look at the overall sources of pollution in the Olifants River catchment and the report will have recommendations of how the problems will be mitigated. The Department is part of this initiative to support and guide where necessary.

The medium to long term plan is to ensure that, polluted water is being prevented to enter the natural streams. This plan recommends to reclaim this polluted water, purify it and distribute the potable water to adjacent communities.

QUESTION NO. 2518 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW2937E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 02 September 2011

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether the Government has set a target for a drastic reduction in carbon emissions before the 17th Conference of the Parties for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17); if not, why not; if so, what measures are being implemented in this regard?

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2518. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

Yes. In 2009 the President of South Africa announced that South Africa will take mitigation actions to reduce the country's emissions by 34% relative to business as usual emissions by 2020, and by 42% in 2025. However, the President also made it clear that the extent of these actions, and therefore, the extent to which we would achieve these emission reductions, will be dependent on the provision of financial resources, the transfer of technology and capacity building support from developed countries.

QUESTION NO. 2517 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW2936E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 02 September 2011

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What large-scale measures is the Government currently implementing to achieve a (a) targeted and (b) time-governed schedule to reduce carbon and methane emissions?

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2517. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

Government is implementing a wide range of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

(a) (b) For example,

· taxes and incentives, such as vehicle carbon emission tax; and income tax exemption for revenues generated from sale of certified emission reduction units (CDM)

· solar water heater (SWH) programme, with a target of 1 million SWH installed in households and commercial buildings over a period of 5 years

· 100 megawatt of concentrated solar power, planned for 2016

· Establishment of the Designated National Authority to oversee the CDM implementation in the country

· New transport innovations that emit lesser or no green house gas.

· Alternative energy uses like hydropower ,gas, wind etc and energy saving appliance

· Development of policies such as the draft Climate Change Response White Paper, which will lay the basis for effective climate change response and the long-term transition to a climate resilient and low-carbon economy and society. This addresses green house gas emissions in the following areas , Industrial Development, Energy, Transport, Water, Agriculture etc.

QUESTION NO. 2464 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW2873E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 02 September 2011

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

(1) Whether, considering the high level of rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park, the park management has a means to determine what the off-take level of rhinos in the park for sale to private owners is; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether, considering that the Associated Private Nature Reserves that border the Kruger National Park had to do an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to determine whether the off-take of animals in their reserves was sustainable, the SA National Parks (SANParks) will also do an EIA on the off-take levels for animals in the Kruger National Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) (a) how many rhinos were killed by poachers in the Kruger National Park from 1 January 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) on what date was this figure determined;

(4) whether SANParks places any restrictions on how soon a rhino sold from one of its parks to a private owner can be hunted; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2464. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) Yes, SANParks have a transparent and defendable approach to define off-take rates for large mammals including white rhinos. SANParks acknowledges that carrying capacity approaches is the traditional way of exploiting wildlife, but these carry large conceptual constraints. For instance, carrying capacity approaches is embedded in production views aimed at maximizing population growth based on the amount of herbage produced, proportion of that consumed and the efficiency of conversion to animal abundance or biomass. The application to conservation required apportioning herbage produced to different species based on a subjectively chosen benchmark of what large mammalian herbivore community composition may be. Virtually all criteria reflect opinion and is not based on robust data. In addition, the apportioning of grazing components to a species is subjective and arbitrarily adjusted depending on apparent overestimation of grazing capacity. Grazing capacity is furthermore subjectively converted to a stocking unit with an intuitive proportional make-up of a herbivore community.

Carrying capacity approaches to conservation also ignores ecological complexity as several factors are additional drivers so that a generalized succession sequence, the basis of rangeland management, is not true. Species do not respond consistently to grazing, and often several alternative states may be possible at a specific locality. Proponents of the use of carrying capacity in a conservation environment have introduced a concept of "rain use efficiency" to adapt stocking rates to local conditions usually defined as the local specific mean annual rainfall. Stocking rates derived from carrying capacity models thus predict stability at an abundance derived from regional grazing and browsing capacities adapted to local mean annual rainfall. It essentially forces dynamics across inappropriate scales that may have consequences for the maintenance of biological diversity and thus contrast the achievement of key mandates assigned to conservation agencies.

Much of the desire to make use of carrying capacity approaches to conservation stems from restrictions on the landscape imposed by history. For instance, traditional landscape interventions interferes with vital rates and fall into three categories: 1) those that affect dispersal such as fences and water provision; 2) those that affect survival such as culling and removals and water provision; and 3) those that affect fecundity such as contraception and culling that reduced densities. Conservationists can address such effects of historical legacies by restoring spatial and temporal limitations and/or mimicking the effects of spatial and temporal limitations when restoration is constrained for several reasons. This reflects a paradigm of the flux of nature which upholds that heterogeneity enhances diversity which enhance resilience. Mimicking ecological effects when landscape intervention imposition cannot be restored thus need to reflect heterogeneity to fully support conservationists key mandates.

The mimicking effect could generate financial gains, but not in a typical production environment. For an example, a herbivore may stabilize at different population sizes depending on conditions imposed e.g. naturally limited, human altered through for instance landscape interventions, and harvested for maximum yield. When landscape interventions have removed population limiting and regulating mechanisms SANParks anticipate that abundances may increase. Responding to the excess created by impeded ecological limiting and regulatory factors provide for economic gain that will also enhance biodiversity objectives. Most important is the temporal variability in this scenario that is relatively large and non-directional.

Inducing spatial and temporal variation through managing numbers of a species may be enhanced through inducing source-sink dynamics. Source-sink dynamics may lead to local instability, but regional stability, a feature desirable if conservationists wish to maintain persistent biodiversity. However, such strategies may lead to drifts in age structures that may carry long term consequences for the population specifically if removal of excess is selective. By drawing from statistical distribution randomly each year and then calculating from that the ecological removal rate directed at mimicking the variable outcomes of ecological processes that are not fully playing out, SANParks adhere to an ecosystem-based approach, but make use of opportunities to generate revenue.

In the white rhino case, r_max is estimated from the long-term trends in white rhino population counts as 12±1%. Ecological harvesting is then 3±1% with the 2011 allocation using the above approach equating to 337 white rhinos. However, SANParks also tone this by the anticipated present poaching effects. The trend in the last year predicted that if poaching pressures continue, 229 white rhinos would be illegally killed in Kruger during 2011. As a result only 108 rhinos were allocated for potential sales.

(2) SANParks use an adaptive management approach and explicitly evaluate the effects of management strategies on biological diversity. For white rhino, a project internally funded by SANParks focuses on

Defining the age and sex structure of white rhino populations within historical areas of removal (sinks) as well as non-removal (sources) using individual assignments from a helicopter.

To extract age- and sex-specific structure or individuals removed historically from veterinary records.

To extract counts and growth rates for sources and sinks respectively from annual counts.

To develop a source sink model for rhino dynamics in Kruger.

To extract trends in market prices from recent sale records.

To evaluate the effect of future removal strategies and potential emerging diseases on ecological persistence and financial gains.

Demographic profiling surveys take place every year before white rhinos are removed (February) – that help define what the sex and age-structure of proposed removals should be – as well as at the end of the removal season (November). In reality, the white rhino population is resilient and is increasing at approximately 5% irrespective of ecological management and poaching.

(3) (a) 172 rhino - (165 white rhino and 7 black rhino)

(b) 06/09/2011

(4) No. SANParks does not have any restrictions on our sales contract relating to hunting and for any activity beyond the sale, SANParks rely completely on the provincial conservation authorities in policing this and related components. It should be noted that the Department of Environmental Affairs works with Provincial Authorities in ensuring that rhino poaching problem is addressed.

QUESTION NO. 2460 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW2869E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 02 September 2011

Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) What was the name of the entity that was the successful bidder for the SA Weather Service tender (SAWS-0101), (b) where was the tender advertised and (c) what was the successful bidder expected to provide to the SAWS?

Mr I O Davidson (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2460. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(a)The company SAAB Grintek Technologies (Pty) Ltd through its divisions including Aviation Systems Division was awarded the contract SAWS-0101.

(b) The Tender to pre-qualify to bid was advertised in the Sunday Times and the Government Tender Bulletin.

(c) The successful company was expected to provide the "Design, Supply, Delivery, Construction of New Weather Radar Systems and Associated Equipment".

As this was a full turnkey project, the contractor was expected to deliver 12 weather radar systems (10 long range systems and 2 short range systems) with full processing and ancillary equipment i.e. power, climate control, fire suppression and climate control

QUESTION NO. 2459 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW2868E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 02 September 2011

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

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2822 on 1 December 2010, the SA National Parks (SANParks) consulted the SA Police Service (SAPS) before selling rhinos to a certain person (name furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the SAPS has at any time advised SANParks not to sell rhinos to the said person; if not, why not; if so, what was the response of SANParks;

(3) whether SANParks continues to sell rhinos to the said person; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether the said person continues to make requests to SANParks to purchase rhinos; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mr M J Ellis (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2459. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) No. SANParks did not consult with the police before selling rhinos to the certain person. At the time rhinos were sold to this person, SANParks had no grounds for consulting the police.

(2) No. SAPS has not advised SANParks not to sell rhinos to the certain person.

(3) No. SANParks is not continuing to sell rhino to the said person.

(4) Yes. The said person has made applications to purchase rhinos from SANParks. This has been refused because the applications did not comply with SANParks sales criteria

QUESTION NO. 2457 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW2866E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 02 September 2011

Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether any efforts are being made by the Department of Environmental Affairs to assist private rhino owners to protect their populations of rhino; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the Department of Environmental Affairs is engaging with (a) the Department of Transport and (b) the Civil Aviation Authority about measures to prevent civilian aircraft from flying low and slow over private game reserves that are home to rhino populations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the Department of Environmental Affairs is engaging with the SA Police Service about measures to improve access to semi-automatic rifles for private owners of rhinos who wish to equip their rangers to defend their rhino population; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mr I O Davidson (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2457. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) Yes, through cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), South African National Parks (SANParks), provincial conservation agencies and the LeadSA private initiative, assistance is provided to private rhino owners to protect their populations of rhino. Only a well coordinated effort by all law enforcement agencies in South Africa will make an impact on the illegal killing of the rhinos, both on state and private land. My media statement dated 29 August 2011 (attached) provides more details in this regard.

(2) The Department of Environmental Affairs is engaging on an ongoing basis with the Department of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority through the National Airspace Committee (NASCOM) four times a year to address all issues relating to airspace management above protected areas generally. The Department has engaged with the Department of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority about measures to prevent civilian aircraft from flying low and slow over private game reserves that are home to rhino populations on more than one occasion, including through the coordinator of the interim National Wildlife Crime Reaction Unit. The Civil Aviation Authority is also part of the National Joint (NATJOINTS) Priority Committee on Rhino.

(3) The Department of Environmental Affairs is working closely with SAPS on all aspects of rhino poaching and investigation of cases relating to rhino. I have engaged with the SAPS on the improvement of the issuance of firearm licences to private rhino owners but not about measures to improve access to semi-automatic rifles as I have not received such a request from private owners of rhinos.

QUESTION NO 2423

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 02 SEPTEMBER 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27)

2423. Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What amount was (a) claimed by and (b) paid to (i) her and (ii) her deputy minister for subsistence and travel in each month in the 2010-11 financial year? NW2818E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(a)(i) Minister BEE Molewa - Total Travel and Subsistence claims paid to her is amounting to R 32 662.17 for the period of November 2010 to March 2011 for following trips:

Date Country Purpose for trip

14-19/11/10 Ethiopia Africa Water Week

03-13/12/10 Mexico COP16 Climate change conference

24-31/01/11 Switzerland World Economic Forum

20-22/02/11 Kenya Ministerial Environmental Forum (UN)

25-03/03/11 India Basic Ministerial Meeting

(a)(ii) Deputy Minister RT Mabudafhasi – Total Travel and Subsistence claims paid to her is amounting to R 83 918.02 for the period of April 2010 to March 2011 for the following trips:

Date Country Purpose for trip

29-01/04/10 Kenya The sixth Conference of parties (COP6) 08-09/04/10 Lesotho Hand over Cheques and Ministerial Cleaning Campaign

03-07/05/10 France Global Oceans Conference

24-26/05/10 Uruguay fourth Global environmental facility

20-22/05/10 China Global Summit for Women

10/07/10 Zimbabwe SADC Ministerial for resources

04-10/09/10 Stockholm World Water Week

12-17/09/10 Gabon Pan African Minister Conference

06-07/10/10 Vietnam Deputy President official Visit

19-20/10/10 Egypt President official visit

23-29/10/10 Japan COP10 Conference

10-12/11/10 Vietnam Water Industry Conference

21-23/11/10 Finland UNEP's

02-10/12/10 Mexico United Climate Change (COP16)

27-31/01/11 Ethiopia 18 Ordinary Session Executive Council of Unions of African Nations

12-18/02/11 Tokyo Official Visit

29-31/03/11 Ghana Abidjan Convention Bureau

Minister BP Sonjica – Total Travel and Subsistence claims paid to her is amounting to R 76 947.38 for the period of April 2010 to October 2011 for the following trips:

Dates Country Purpose for trip

18-19/04/10 United States of America Major Economies Forum

22-23/04/10 United States of America Ministerial Dialogue on Sanitation

20-22/05/10 Tanzania Handing over of Black Rhinos

10-16/05/10 Ethiopia Committee of African government on climate change

02-04/05/10 Germany Pertesburg Climate change

20-25/06/10 Mali CAHOSCC Ministerial Meeting

24-28/07/10 Brazil Basic Ministerial Meeting

24-26/08/10 China State visit

14-15/08/10 Namibia 2010 SADC Summit

18-30/09/10 United state of America Bilateral meeting on Major

Economic Forum

06-12/10/10 China State Visit 17-21/10/11 Egypt State Visit 23-30/10/10 Japan COP10 Nagoya

QUESTION NO 2423

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 02 SEPTEMBER 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27)

2423. Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What amount was (a) claimed by and (b) paid to (i) her and (ii) her deputy minister for subsistence and travel in each month in the 2010-11 financial year? NW2818E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(a)(b)(i) MINISTER B P SONJICA
ADVANCE DATE	ADVANCE PAID TO DIRCO	CLAIM DATE	TOTAL CLAIM AMOUNT	DIFFERENCE PAID TO/BY HER
13/04/2010	R 6,000.00	10/05/2010	R 7,119.79	R 1,119.79
29/04/2010	R 3,700.00	19/05/2010	R 5,673.40	R 1,973.40
06/05/2010	R 3,000.00	19/05/2010	R 5,482.87	R 2,482.87
		31/05/2010	R 1,975.85	R 1,975.85
22/06/2010	R 8,700.00	05/07/2010	R 13,596.01	R 4,896.01
20/07/2010	R 3,700.00	18/08/2010	R 4,393.95	R 693.95
16/08/2010	R 4,800.00	06/09/2010	R 5,446.14	R 646.14
		18/08/2010	R 1,781.72	R 1,781.72
		13/09/2010	R 2,475.00	R 2,475.00
01/09/2010	R 6,500.00	01/04/2011	R 5,959.53	R -540.47
14/09/2010	R 11,000.00	20/10/2010	R 13,144.95	R 2,144.95
05/10/2010	R 5,500.00	01/04/2011	R 5,105.47	R -394.53
25/10/2010	R 2,700.00	01/04/2011	R 2,787.70	R 87.70
	R 55,600.00		R 74,942.38	R 11,790.47

(a)(b)(i) MINISTER B E E MOLEWA
ADVANCE DATE	ADVANCE PAID TO DIRCO	CLAIM DATE	TOTAL CLAIM AMOUNT		DIFFERENCE PAID TO/BY HER
		08/12/2010	R 237.26		R 237.26
06/12/2010	R 9,900.00	02/02/2011	R 12,544.54		R 2,644.54
21/01/2011	R 7,905.60	22/06/2011	R 11,203.85		R 3,298.25
		30/03/2011	R 2,936.54		R 2,936.54
21/02/2011	R 6,345.60	22/06/2011	R 1,828.38		R -4,517.22
		01/06/2011	R 3,911.60		R 3,911.60
	R 24,151.20		R 32,424.91		R 8,510.97

(a)(b)(ii) DEPUTY MINISTER R T MABUDAFHASI
ADVANCE DATE	ADVANCE PAID TO DIRCO	CLAIM DATE	TOTAL CLAIM AMOUNT		DIFFERENCE PAID TO/BY HER
		21/04/2010	R 801.40		R 801.40
29/03/2010	R 3,006.55	14/03/2011	R 1,600.24		R -1,406.31
30/04/2010	R 5,016.95	14/03/2011	R 5,653.05		R 636.10
18/05/2010	R 3,506.75	14/03/2011	R 3,582.74		R 75.99
18/05/2010	R 5,005.85	14/03/2011	R 3,729.31		R -1,276.54
21/05/2010	R 5,001.40	14/03/2011	R 1,987.50		R -3,013.90
15/07/2010	R 2,004.30	14/03/2011	R 2,714.53		R 710.23
01/09/2010	R 6,183.90	14/03/2011	R 4,871.56		R -1,312.34
01/09/2010	R 6,183.90	14/03/2011	R 4,427.89		R -1,756.01
15/09/2011	R 3,472.78	14/03/2011	R 2,041.07		R -1,431.71
02/09/2010	R 2,052.30	14/03/2011	R 2,163.14		R 110.84
15/10/2010	R 9,147.85	14/03/2011	R 9,623.33		R 475.48
			R 5,788.30		R 5,788.30
		14/03/2011	R 2,599.64		R 2,599.64
05/11/2010	R 1,997.71	14/03/2011	R 2,430.56		R 432.85
		14/03/2011	R 6,095.55		R 6,095.55
01/12/2010	R 4,990.72	14/03/2011	R 5,508.00		R 517.28
		20/05/2011	R 6,631.10		R 6,631.10
		20/05/2011	R 7,294.22		R 7,294.22
		30/05/2011	R 762.50		R 762.50
		25/05/2011	R 3,612.39		R 3,612.39
	R 57,570.96		R 83,918.02		R 26,347.06

QUESTION NO. 2410 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW2801E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 02 September 2011

Mr A M Figlan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether (a) her department and (b) entities reporting to it have (i) awarded any tenders and (ii) concluded any (aa) contracts and (bb) financial transactions with certain companies (names and details furnished) in each specified financial year since 2005-06; if so, (aaa) which company or entity, (bbb) what are the relevant details, (ccc) what was the value of each (aaaa) tender, (bbbb) contract or (cccc) financial transaction and (ddd) what was the name of the companies who failed for each tender, contract or financial transaction that was awarded?

Mr A M Figlan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2410. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(a)(b) No, the department and its entities reporting to the Ministry of Water and Environmental Affairs, did not award any tenders, contracts and financial transactions with the companies herein referred to. Therefore the other questions are not applicable.

QUESTION NO 2410

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 02 SEPTEMBER 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27)

2410. Mr A M Figlan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1) No. None of these companies (details furnished) were used by either the Department or the entities reporting to the Department.

(2) Falls away.

QUESTION NO. 2366 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 NW2742E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 02 September 2011

Mrs G M Borman (ANC) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether (a) her department and (b) the entities reporting to her have implemented any energy-saving (i) practices or (ii) devices for buildings, offices and boardrooms in the 2010-11 financial year; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Mrs G M Borman (ANC) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2366. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

QUESTIONS	DEA	PUBLIC ENTITIES
QUESTIONS	DEA	SANPARKS	SAWS	SANBI	ISIMANGALISO
(i) Energy-saving practices implemented	Yes. The Department has implemented non-cost energy efficiency practises with a view to change staff behaviour to save energy both at home and work place. The energy efficiency practises entail on-going awareness sessions, tips on how to use electricity efficiently, workshops on energy usage and internal advertisement on energy efficiency.	Yes. In collaboration with ESKOM, information brochures have been developed and distributed to all SANParks tourism facilities, to educate visitors to national parks about energy-saving including some of the basic steps to be undertaken to safe energy. Designs of all new and renovations to existing facilities include energy-efficiency in their Planning. Existing facilities such as tourism and staff accommodation within the national parks have been fitted with energy-saving lighting as part off organizational lighting programme; Furthermore: Energy efficiency audit has been undertaken in two pilot sites in the Kruger National Park, which has informed the development of the organizational Energy Efficiency Strategy Map; Awareness and training workshops are being undertaken to sensitise both staff and public members about fundamental energy savings; Electrical bulk and zone meters are being stalled to enhance effective monitoring of electricity consumption as part of organisational Bulk Metering Programme.	Yes. All lights are switched-off in areas/offices/boardrooms that are not occupied after hours. The use of fluorescent or compact fluorescent light bulbs is a standard practice throughout our offices and boardrooms. Geysers thermostat are set at 50degrees Celsius as a norm instead of 65 degrees Celsius. All PCs are switched off when the user leaves the office or workstation in the afternoon. No radiant heaters are allowed into the buildings. Air conditioners are switched off when offices are not occupied. Where conditions allow the use of natural airflow by opening windows and switching-off air conditioners is greatly encouraged. The unnecessary printing of documents is discouraged. NB: The Facility Manager through the maintenance unit and the security unit monitor most of these practices and report non-compliance.	Yes. To monitor the energy consumption in the Free State Garden, the municipality was requested to give SANBI the key to access the meter boxes, to take our own readings, because most of the statements are estimations rather than true readings. Stoves replaced with microwaves in the Harold Porter Garden, and also being implemented in the Karoo Desert Garden this year. Computers switched off, not just logged off, at the end of each day. Encouraging the wearing of additional warm clothes rather than using air-conditioners to keep offices warm in winter. Office users are expected to switch off the lights every time they leave the office. Collaboration between units on field trips, sharing vehicles to save on fuel costs. The KZN NBG is in the process of converting all the ablution flushing systems to using borehole water instead of municipal water. In the KZN Garden, 60% of high-maintenance wooden benches have been replaced with the ones made out of recycled-plastic material. For evening functions in the KZN Garden, clients are paying extra to keep flood lights on along the Plane Tree Avenue and as a result people prefer more daylight events because they are generally cheaper. Parking lights in the Karoo Desert Garden switched off at night. Karoo Desert Garden does not use geysers in the office kitchen and only occasionally uses the eco friendly low energy wall panel heaters on bitterly cold winter days. Reminder signs put on outside of office doors on the Pretoria Campus to remind staff when leaving their offices to think about the following: Windows closed? Fan/aircon switched off? Heater switched off? Lights switched off? Kirstenbosch has implemented the following measures on the Kirstenbosch Campus: Disconnected under floor heating in the Old Mutual Conference Centre and in all shops and restaurants. Adapted personal oil heaters to operate at half power. Concentrate as much consumption to between 22h00 and 06h00 and on weekends when users pay half the standard Kwh rate. Retrofitted staff and public ablutions using low-flow shower heads (staff showers) and waterless urinals (staff and public ablutions). Monthly monitoring of electricity usage on the Campus. Kirstenbosch Research Centre and Centre for Biodiversity Conservation buildings: Panel heaters were installed in offices. All lights bulbs were replaced with energy saving bulbs. Kitchen sinks – hot water supplied from a 5-liter electric kettle instead of from a normal geyser. Louvre's installed outside CBC windows to keep offices cool in summer.	Yes. Energy-saving practices form part and parcel of every operator agreement in the Park.
(ii) Devices for buildings, offices and boardrooms.	No. The department has not installed any energy devises, as the buildings occupied are rented from private parties. However, Land Lords are continuously encouraged to upgrade buildings occupied by the department and install energy efficient devises for the benefit of the country and the environment.	Due to the hefty price on equipment required for this purpose, the quality and amount of energy-savings devices used in SANParks facilities is dependent on availability of funds to pursue this objective. The following devices have been installed in national parks: Mokala Camp Site: Solar lights and geysers in camping ablutions; Tankwa Camp Site: Solar lights and geysers in camping ablutions; Kgalagadi Tranfrontier Park: Solar geysers system for 6 of staff houses; Marakele Environmental Education Centre: Solar geysers system for accommodation of 120 learners for environmental education programme; Mapungubwe Interpretive Centre: Solar geysers system for 9 of staff houses; Kruger National Park (KNP):Solar lights and geysers for 32 tented accommodation; and Golden Gate Highlands National Park: Solar geysers for the new Branwagg Hotel. A project is being planned for retro-fitting in several tourism facilities in the Kruger National Park, as part of the SANParks Infrastructure Development Programme. The project will include the following: Retro-fitment of all geysers in the tourism camps with solar or heat pump systems; Fitment of either solar of heat pump geyser systems in all new staff accommodation; Electricity Management System for KNP facilities' geysers, swimming pool pumps, compressors, etc.; Unit management system to turn off appliances (Airconditioners, stoves and lights) when the unit is unoccupied. Second lighting programme (replacement of T12 lamps with T8 or solid state technology).	The ICT department has upgraded the entire computer infrastructure with PCs with liquid crystal display (LCD) screens which are more energy- efficient than the outdated cathode ray tube (CRT) screens. Open plan areas are provided with centralized air-conditioners to discourage individual use of air-conditioners or fan heaters.	Geysers fitted with geyser wise devices. Lights fitted with timer switches. Light bulbs replaced with the energy saving bulbs. Waterless valves installed in staff and public toilets in the Harold Porter Garden. The restaurant in the Harold Porter Garden runs on a dual heating system solar and electricity. Installed dual flushing for cisterns. Installed geyser wise control devices for geysers at workers facilities and staff houses. Installed an instant heat tap for the Pearson House Annex. Installed water saver shower heads. Installed thermo guard on ceilings of some buildings. In current renovations to Kirstenbosch Manor, the following energy saving measures are being implemented: Installing energy saver bulbs and LED bulbs (steps). Installing free flowing valves to waterless urinals. Installing water saver shower heads. Installing grey water system (water rhapsody). Installing dual flush cistern for toilets. Connecting the existing and new geyser to a timer (not practical to install solar-powered geyser because of the shade of trees).	No energy saving-devices were implemented in 2010-11 financial year in iSimangaliso's buildings, largely due to financial constraints, However in the new financial year solar installations are being introduced at park gates.

QUESTION NO. 2359 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26 NW2735E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 August 2011

Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether she has been informed of current ongoing mining of sand dunes along the Umgababa coast, especially the dunes accessible from the Umgababa railway station; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

(2) whether any environmental authorisation for the activity on these dunes was obtained; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what is the name of the entity or individual who owns the property on which these dunes are;

(4) whether her department is liaising with (a) the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs and (b) the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality about the activity on the sand dunes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether her department intends investigating the activity on the dunes to determine whether any environmental laws have been transgressed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2359. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

1) Please note that the Department became aware of sand dredging in the Illovo River in Esiqhingi on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, inland from Amanzimtoti, earlier this year after a complaint was lodged with the Department's Environmental Crimes and Incident Hotline. All complaints country wide come through this hotline and are then delegated to the relevant provincial authorities. In the abovementioned instance, the matter was referred to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture Environmental Affairs and Rural Development (KZN DAEARD) for further investigation.

From the information provided in this query it appears as if the alleged mining of sand dunes along the Umgababa Coast, especially the dunes accessible from the Umgababa Railway Station, is not related to the abovementioned matter as the two areas are distant from each other and occurs in different settings. On receipt of this query, the Department communicated with the relevant competent authority; i.e. the KZN DAEARD to ensure that they are informed of this matter and that the necessary investigations are undertaken.

Based on the feedback received from KZN DAEARD, they are aware of the clearance of sand dune vegetation just south of the Umgababa Railway Station. It appears as if vegetation had been cleared on this site for the sole purpose of constructing residential dwellings. For the dwellings to be constructed, the alleged transgressors had started to partially remove sand as a way of preparing sites. The KZN DAEARD enforcement action will consider all listed activities triggered, including removal of sand, clearing of vegetation, etc.

2) This type of application would have been dealt with by the relevant provincial competent authority in the province. The department does not have this information and the relevant department in the province must be approached for this information.

3) Unfortunately the Department has no information on the details of the property owner as the matter will be dealt with by the KZN DAEARD. This information can be obtained from the relevant department in the province.

4) (a) The Department informed the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs of the sand dredging in the Illovo River in Esiqhingi on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast; immediately after the complaint was lodged. Complaints' regarding dredging is forwarded to the KZN Department; once the Department becomes aware of such activities. The Department was informed that the KZN DAEARD is in the process of obtaining details of the alleged sand mining on the Illovo site as well as who the alleged transgressors are.

This Department followed the same process with this query and the KZN DAEARD was informed immediately in order to follow-up with investigations on the Umgababa Coast. The provincial department can be contacted for further details.

(b) The Department has not interacted with the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality regarding this matter as it is dealt with by the provincial department.

It must be noted that the provincial departments of environmental affairs have concurrent jurisdiction and do not have to request comments from the Department when they are the competent authority.

5) It must be noted that the environmental function is a concurrent function. Consequently, the provincial inspectorate ("green scorpions") will have to investigate and intervene. That notwithstanding, the Department will also advise the provincial inspectorate of this matter in light of the seriousness of the consequences of the dredging.

QUESTION NO 2318

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 AUGUST 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26)

2318. Ms L D Mazibuko (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether (a) her departments and (b) any entity reporting to her was approached by a certain political organisation (name furnished) to contribute to its centenary celebrations; if so, in each case, (i) which entities and (ii) what was the (aa) nature and (bb) value of the contribution that was requested;

(2) whether (a) her departments and (b) any entity reporting to her has a policy that provide for such funding; if so,

(3) whether (a) her departments and (b) any specified entity reporting to her has (i) agreed to the request or (ii) made financial contributions to the said political organisation in the absence of such an approach for funding; if not, why not, in each case; if so, in each case, (aa) who approved the request, (bb) on what grounds was the decision made, (cc) from which budget was it (aaa) agreed to pay the contribution or (bbb) paid, (dd) what amount was paid, (ee) who made the decision to provide the specified funds to the said political organisation and (ff) how is this (aaa) decision and (bbb) amount justified? NW2694E

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REPLY:

(1) The Department or its entities were never approached by a certain political organisation to contribute to its centenary celebrations.

(2) Falls away.

(3) Falls away.

QUESTION NO. 2314 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26 NW2690E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 August 2011

Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) What is the (a) total expenditure, (b) expenditure on fence maintenance and (c) expenditure on other infrastructure for the Highveld National Park in the (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08, (iii) 2008-09, (iv) 2009-10 and (v) 2010-11 financial years;

(2) whether any systems are in place to resolve the problems of the (a) presence of increasing numbers of farmers and livestock and (b) poaching of game in the Highveld National Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether an environmental impact assessment was conducted to determine the impact that the new Eskom infrastructure might have on the Highveld National Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details with regard to the (a) findings of the assessment and (b) recommendations made to minimise the impact on the environment;

Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

2314. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

BACKGROUND OF PROPOSED HIGHVELD NATIONAL PARK (HNP)

The proposal for the development of the HNP dates back from as early as 1984, when the Department of Agriculture decided to inspect the campsites of the townlands of the surrounding area of Potchefstroom with the aim to rent it. During this stage it became clear that the value of the HNP grassland was by far higher than the mere agricultural value and the thought of establishing the park was brought into perspective.

The development of the HNP was approved by the National Parks Board (now known as SANParks) in 1992. However, due to pending land claim issues from the Barolong community, the process of the development of the HNP was put on hold, but it was revived again during 1996 and eventually led to the launching of the HNP in February 1997. The park manager was appointed in 1996 and the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism formally approved the project for the development of the HNP in August 1997.

Due to the Barolong's determination of pursuing their land claims at all cost in 1997 and 1998, the SANDF withdrew from the project on 19 June 1998. A written promise was made to the City Council that, if the current problems are resolved, SANParks could again consider the opinion in future.

BIODIVERSITY INVESTIGATION FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PARK

The natural resources of the HNP are essentially characterized by two important elements, namely the landscape with its associated underlying soils and geology and the biotic communities which exist within this environment. Both of these aspects have been impacted to some degree in the past and the vegetation has been subjected to long and heavy utilization, probably from overgrazing. It was observed that the main causes of degradation contributing towards severe soil erosion in the area proposed for the HNP are overgrazing, trampling by livestock and fire. Livestock grazing was observed to have an extensive impact on the vegetation and freshly burnt grasslands were found to be very attractive to livestock thus resulting in concentrated grazing pressure. This resulted in severe soil loss in some areas as well as to a change in species composition and vegetation structure. The Acacia Woodland communities form an important part of the vegetation in the HNP, and these communities are adversely affected by unsustainable wood collection.

The study concluded in 2003 on potential areas for a Grassland National Park has indicated that this is not the best area for a Grassland National Park, but is one possibility among others. In 2007 the fence surrounding the park was constructed, and the main entrance gate to the park was completed. However, problems such as settling of people within the area, fence cutting, harvesting of trees for firewood, and uncontrolled fire and livestock grazing were still evident in the park.

CONCLUSION

The NHP was threatened by increasing urbanization and unsustainable use of natural resources. The natural resources of the HNP have been adversely affected to some degree in the past and the vegetation has been subjected to frequent fires, severe soil erosion and overgrazing by livestock. These problems were not only confined to those that are measured scientifically, but also included a multitude of social ones as the park exist in a social as well as an ecological matrix. Given the size of the park and the above mentioned ecological problems associated with the park, it was recommended that this area be developed as a provincial reserve as it does not fulfil all the values constituting a national park.

FEEDBACK TO PROVINCE

On 10 September 2009, the then Minister of Water and Environmental affairs send a communication to the MEC of North West to indicate that the area does not qualify to be a national park and it should be declared and managed as a provincial nature reserve.

The Highveld Nature Reserve is a provincial nature reserve which should be managed by the North West province. Any enquiries regarding the establishment and management of the nature reserve should therefore be directed to the North West Province.

QUESTION NO. 2310

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 AUGUST 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26)

2310. Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1490 on 12 August 2011, her department has taken cognisance of the poor water quality of the Dorps River in the vicinity of Kudu Range; if so, what (a) steps is her department taking and (b) measures have been implemented to rectify the situation; if not,

(2) whether her department intends to investigate the situation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2686E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) Yes, the Department is continuously monitoring the operation and/or performance of the Lydenburg Wastewater Treatment Plant and also continues to engage the
Thaba Chweu Local Municipality to improve the water quality of the treated effluent released into the Dorps River.

(1)(b) The Department has taken measures to rectify the situation by requesting the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality to immediately implement, among others, the following recommendations:

· Prior to the discharge into the Dorps River, treat all effluent to the required standards as stipulated in the license conditions

· Submit all reports, including those regarding water quality monitoring, to the Department as required by the above-mentioned water use license conditions

· Implement reasonable measures to prevent the pollution of the Dorps River due to the malfunctioning of the Wastewater Treatment Plant

· Repair all the mechanical breakdowns on the plant to ensure optimal functionality daily

· Ensure that there is a spare chlorine gas tank at all times on site to avoid the discharge of untreated effluent into the Dorps River

· Submit an action plan to the Department to address the continuous malfunctioning of the plant and the measures to be implemented to prevent the further deterioration of the Dorps River water quality because of the inadequate operation of the plant, and to ensure full compliance with the water use license conditions

(2) Yes, the Department will investigate the matter to establish the impact on Kudu Ranch and other downstream water users due to the Dorps River's poor water quality. Appropriate remedial action shall be taken thereafter to rectify the situation.

QUESTION NO 2307

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 AUGUST 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26)

2307. Dr L L Bosman (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) On which statutory provisions does her department rely for refusing to permit the transfer of water rights from one user to another.

(2) whether her department takes the AgriBEE Charter into consideration when considering applications for the transfer of water rights from one user to another; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether her department gives due consideration to property rights and the rights of individuals of access to water in the Bill of Rights when rejecting applications for the transfer of water rights from one user to another; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2683E

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REPLY:

(1) The Department is guided by the provisions of Chapter 4 of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) in granting or refusing applications for water use, including the permit to transfer water rights from one user to another.

(2) The AgriBEE charter is one of the many guiding principles that the Department takes into consideration when determining whether or not to grant the application for water use, including the transfer of water rights from one user to another. While the AgriBEE is a statement of intent, the Act stipulates clearly the considerations that the Department must follow when considering such applications.

(3) Chapter 2 of the Act sets out the fundamental principles that the Department must follow to achieve these principles. These principles recognise the basic human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) (the Constitution). The Department in granting or refusing the application for the transfer of water rights from one person to another is informed by these principles.

QUESTION NO. 2278 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26 NW2650E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 August 2011

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether her department intends to consult with the International Union for Conservation of Natureand Natural Resources(IUCN) with regard to the proposed 120-bed hotel in the Kruger National Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
2278. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

No. The responsibility of conceptualizing, planning, establishment and management of all types of tourism facilities in national parks is the responsibility of the Board of the South African National Parks (SANParks) in terms of Section 57 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act No 57 of 2003, as amended. There is neither an obligation nor historical precedence of the national Department of Environmental Affairs or its predecessors of consulting the IUCN on tourism development within national parks. The IUCN, as an international NGO, does not interfere in the national jurisdiction or internal affairs of its member countries. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is confident that the SANParks Board will apply its responsibilities on the basis of available scientific information to conceptualize, plan, establish and manage the proposed 120 room hotel in Kruger National Park in the same manner as it conceptualized, planned and managed the Golden Gate hotel over the last 40 years.
QUESTION NO. 2251 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26 NW2527E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 August 2011

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether offices which are responsible for issuing permits in relation to threatened and endangered species such as lions and rhinos, are understaffed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) where are these offices located, (ii) how many vacant posts are within each of these offices and (iii) what steps has she taken to ensure that these offices run effectively and efficiently?
Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
2251. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

The question must be referred to the provincial MEC responsible for environment. In terms of the Threatened or Protected Species Regulations the MECs responsible for environment have been designated as Issuing Authorities. The MECs delegated the issuing of permits to the relevant officials within each province. The details relating to permit offices in the provinces should therefore be obtained from the provinces.

QUESTION NO 2247

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 AUGUST 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 24)

2247. Mr D A Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether she has been informed of the criminal charges that is being faced by the chief executive officer (CEO) of Bloem Water in relation to his previous position as municipal manager; if so, what are the relevant details; if not,

(2) whether she will request the board of directors of Bloem Water to furnish reasons why she was not informed of such charges; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the board of directors of Bloem Water was informed of these criminal charges at the time of the CEO's appointment; if so, what are the relevant details

(4) whether she intends to take any action against the (a) board of directors and (b) CEO; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what action in each case? NW2622E

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REPLY:

(1) The former Minister was informed of the criminal charges laid against the current Chief Executive Officer of Bloem Water. The charges relate to the alleged contravention of section 19 of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 when the current CEO of Bloem Water was the Municipal Manager of the Matjhabeng Municipality. It is alleged that as an Accounting Officer for the Municipality he was negligent with regard to the prevention of the spillage of partially treated or untreated wastewater into the public stream. He was charged in his personal capacity as the Accounting Officer for the Municipality. He has appeared twice in court and the case has been postponed to January 2012.

(2) No, reasons for not informing me will not be requested from the Board of Directors of Bloem Water, since as a board, they were not aware of the charges at the time.

(3) No, the Board of Directors were not informed of the criminal charges at the time of the CEO's appointment.

(4)(a) No, action will not be taken against the Board of Directors as this actions does not deem fit for action to be taken against them.

(4)(b) No, action will not be taken against the CEO, until the court case has been finalised.

QUESTION NO 2246

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 AUGUST 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 24)

2246. Mr D A Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether she has been informed of the allegations of irregular tenders at Bloem Water; if so, what steps has she taken to deal with such irregularities; if not,

(2) whether she will investigate the matter; if not, what is the position in this regard;

(3) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW2621E

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REPLY:

(1) Yes, I have been informed of the allegations of irregular tenders at Bloem Water. I have directed the Board of Bloem Water to investigate the allegation and respond appropriately.

(2) Refer to 1 above.

(3) I will await the results of the Board's investigation and recommendations and take appropriate action
QUESTION NO. 2213 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 24 NW2588E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 August 2011

Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether (a) she, (b) her deputy minister, (c) any specified officials and (d) any other persons have been issued with a government or official credit card during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, what are the relevant details for her, her deputy minister and each holder of a credit card in respect of the (i) name, (ii) job title, (iii) credit limit, (iv) outstanding amount as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (v) monthly expenses incurred for each month since receiving the credit card, (vi) reason for such persons being issued with a credit card and (vii) uses that such a credit card is intended for;

(2) whether any such credit cards are over their credit limit; if so, (a) whose credit cards are over the limit and (b) what is the reason for the credit cards exceeding the limit;

(3) whether any action has been taken against such persons for exceeding their credit card limits; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
2213. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) (a) to(c)No, neither myself nor Deputy Minister nor any other official in both Water and Environmental Affairs departments has been issued with government or official credit card .

(d)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii) Not applicable

(2) (a)(b) Not applicable

(3) Not applicable

QUESTION NO 2204

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 AUGUST 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 24)

2204. Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) Against which municipalities in Limpopo has her department issued a section 19(3) notice in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, since her reply to question 699 on 1 April 2010 and (b) in each case, (i) when was the notice issued, (ii) why was it issued and (iii) what has been the response from the municipality? NW2578E

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REPLY:

Table 1 below reflects the Limpopo municipalities against whom the Department has issued notices in terms of section 19(3) of National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) since 1 April 2010, the date when the notice was issued, why was it issued and what has been the response from each municipality.

Table 1-Details of notices issued to Limpopo municipalities

No

(a) Municipality

(b)(i) Date issued

(b)(ii) Reason/s

(b)(iii) Response/s

1

Vhembe District Municipality

23/07/2010

The notice was issued for the malfunctioning of the Eltivillas Sewage Pump Station, Kutama-Sinthumule Prison Sewage Pump Station, Makhado Brewery Distribution sewage pump station and the diversion of raw sewage by the Makhado Sewage Works to the Litshovhu River.

The Municipality informed the Department that, the pump stations have been repaired and the contractor has been appointed for the management of the pump stations. The upgrading at the sewage works inlet has been completed and the treatment process is functioning well.

2

Capricorn District Municipality

22/09/2010

The notice was issued for the Helen Frans Oxidation Ponds for the overflow of raw sewage to the environment caused by the blockages of sewer line.

The sewer blockages have since been repaired.

3

Capricorn District Municipality

22/09/2010

The notice was issued for the malfunctioning of the pump station at Soekmekaar and blockages in the sewer line causing overflow of raw sewage to the environment.

The Municipality informed the Department that, the appointed consultants repaired the pump station at Soekmekaar and the pump station is regularly maintained.

4

Aganang Local Municipality

22/09/2010

The notice was issued for the overflow of raw sewage from the septic tank within the municipality yard.

The Municipality informed the Department that, the septic tank has been upgraded and is now operating well.

No

(a) Municipality

(b)(i) Date issued

(b)(ii) Reason/s

(b)(iii) Response/s

5

Polokwane Local Municipality

1/11/2010

The notice was issued for the discharge of partially treated sewage effluent containing significant sludge into the Sand River.

The Municipality has attended to the problem. A new wastewater treatment plant has been commissioned to alleviate the current overloading.

6

Mogalakwena Local Municipality

14/01/2011

The notice was issued for the overflow of raw sewage from the Masehlaneng Oxidation Ponds to the environment and Rooislot River.

The Municipality responded by preventing the overflow as a remedial action.

QUESTION NO 2203

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 AUGUST 2011 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 24)

2203. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) With reference to her reply to the National Council of Provinces to Question 153 on 13 May

2010, what is the current state of sewerage infrastructure in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality;

(2) whether any (a) directives have been issued or (b) criminal charges have been brought against the municipality since her reply; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(3) whether her department is currently offering any assistance to the municipality to improve the sewerage infrastructure; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether any pollution events have been reported to her department since her reply; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) (a) on what dates were the fast three visits by compliance and enforcement officers of her department brought to assess compliance of sewerage infrastructure and (b) with regard to each assessment, what is the (I) name and (ii) designation of each specified official?

NW2577E

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REPLY:

(1) Matjhabeng Local Municipality has a total of eleven (11) WWTWs; refer to the table below on the current state of each sewerage and the interventions by the Department.

(2)

No

Name of WWTWs

Current Status of WWTWs

Interventions by the Department

1

Theronia WWTW

Functional, but overloaded.

Refurbishment and maintenance will be completed by end of September 2011

2

Odendaalsrus WWTW

Currently the plant is being

refurbished and upgraded

Refurbishment and upgrading will be completed by end of September 2011

3

Witpan WWTW

Thabong WWTW

Flooded and non-functional

Technical report compiled and approved by

Department, Human Settlement and CoGT A.

4

Functional

The Department is providing technical support to increase the capacity of the plant to 24ML/day - department provides inputs in the development of the technical report and designs, The Department is evaluating the variation order to complete

phase 1 (Supply and delivery of mobile pumps,

dehydrator slap and refurbishment of the buildings

5

Virginia WWTW

The plant is not effectively operational – the aerators are not functional

The Department renders support by evaluating

the technical report for MIG funding

6

Phomolong WWTW

Not effectively operational

The Department issued a directive to the

municipality to provide an action plan and relevant

budget to rectify the non-functioning units.

The Department has approved the outfall sewer I

design for MIG funding

[

7

Ventersburg WWTW

The oxidation pond system is overloaded and pond wall leaking

No intervention from the Department except for the technical advice provided. The Department is in a process to issue a non-compliance letter to the municipality as a results of Green Drop report. The municipality needs to budget for the upgrade of the plant.

8

Hennenman WWTW

Not effectively operational

The Department issued a directive to the municipality to provide an action plan and relevant budget to rectify the non-functioning units. The Department has approved the outfall sewer design for MIG funding

9

Kutlwanong WWTW

Not effectively operational

(clarifiers and aerators not functional). Upgrading of the WWTW is in progress

The Department is in a process to issue a non-

compliance letter to the municipality as result of

the Green Drop report.

10

Whites WWWT

De-commissioned, only pump

station remaining. Sewerage is directed to Hennenman WWTW

No intervention from the Department

11

Allanridge WWTW

Not effectively operational

The Department renders support by evaluating the technical report for MIG Funding

(2)(a) Yes, directives have been issued with regard to the Hennenman and Phomolong WWTWs on 17 June 2011 to address the following:

· To provide the Department with a detailed short term action plan that focuses on the repairing of the non operational infrastructure at the two WWTWs.

· To specify the financial breakdown in the action plan according to the actions required to stop the disposal of water containing waste in a manner that is detrimentally impacting on the water resource.

· To specify the timeframes for the specific actions to be completed.

(2)(b) Yes, criminal charges were brought against the Municipality on 7 March 2006 and the trial date has been set from 28 February to 9 March 2012 at the Welkom Magistrate Court

(3) Subsequent to the funding of R26 million which was provided by the Department during 2009/10 financial year, the Department continues to monitor the projects which are still in the upgrading/refurbishment process. Such projects will be completed by the end of August 2011. In addition, the Department IS assisting the municipality to acquire Municipal Infrastructure Grant funding from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for the upgrading of the Phomolong outfall line, the Virginia WWTW and the Hennenman WWTW.

(4) Yes, the Department has been Informed of pollution events, Le. the Phomolong WWTW is discharging partially treated effluent to the water resource and that, the waste water at the Hennenman WWTW, is also discharging partially treated effluent to the water resource.

(5)(i) Table 1 below reflects the details of the last three site visits by the Department.

Table 1: Details of site visits

No

Date of site visit

Area visited

i

visited

1

11/03/2011

Hennenman and Phomolong WWTWs

2

12/05/2011

Witpan WWTW and Klippan Pump Station

3

21/06/2011

Virginia, Thabong and Theronia WWTWs

4

22/06/2011

Hennenman and Phomolong WWTWs

I

5

27/06/2011

AlianridQe and Odendaalsrus WWTWs

(5)(ii) The last three site visits were conducted by two (2) Environmental Officer Production and one (1) Graduate Trainee (Details furnished).
QUESTION NO. 2155 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.25 NW2525E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 August 2011

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether her department has been undertaking any study of the water off the coast to establish changes in the type of plankton and its effect on fish populations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
2155. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

Yes.

Studies on the abundance as well as the species and size composition of zooplankton are being conducted on the west and south coast of South Africa. These studies are linked to research on the small pelagic fish such as anchovy and sardine which feed on different size-ranges of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
QUESTION NO. 2144 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25 NW2492E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 August 2011

Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1636 on 27 July 2011, she intends to review the cellular phone mast policy of 2002, given that the World Health Organisation (WHO) changed the classification of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from not carcinogenic to a class 2B carcinogen, in the same category as lead, DDT and asbestos; if not, why not; if so, how does she intend to protect the right of communities to an environment that is not harmful to their health;

(2) whether she intends to reconsider the regulation of August 2010 in terms of which an environmental impact assessment is not required for cellular phone towers less than 15m in height; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mr L W Greyling (ID) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
2144. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) This Department is not aware of a cell phone mast policy of 2002. Accordingly, there is no intention of reviewing such policy.

(2) As indicated in a previous response, the Department has, to date, not received further communication from the Department of Health in this regard. The Department does not therefore intend, at this stage, reviewing the environmental impact assessment (EIA) regulations pertaining to the erection of cell phone masts and base stations. Depending on further advice from the Department of Health, the Department may in future review the EIA regulations relating to cell phone masts.
QUESTION NO. 2130 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25 NW2330E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 August 2011

Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether she had consulted with the significantly affected communities before tabling her support for the proposed N2 toll road; if not, (a) why not and (b) how will it affect her decision not to consult if these communities and the SA National Road Agency Ltd (Sanral) are unable to reach agreement; if so, what are the relevant details?
Mrs H N Ndude (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
2130. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

No. The matter that was up, requiring my decision, was not support or otherwise of the SANRAL's intention to construct a road but my decision on the EIA appeal as lodged by some interested parties. The decision to be made by myself was based on the process spelled out in the EIA regulation. These do not require any form of consultation but weighing the submitted submissions, analyse evidence and or call upon any input if need be. These procedures were followed before I made a ruling on the EIA appeal that was submitted.

(a) I regarded the public participation process which SANRAL conducted during the environmental impact assessment for the proposed N2 Wild Coast Toll Road as adequate.

(b) It will not affect my decision. It is now the responsibility of SANRAL to further engage with all affected parties. In fact, SANRAL already indicated to the Department that it is committed in terms of the environmental authorisation and as stated in the environmental impact report to undertake further consultation with affected communities and relevant authorities as part of the advanced planning and design of the road, as part of the land acquisition process and, where appropriate, as part of the process to declare the road as a toll road.

QUESTION NO 2120

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 AUGUST 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23)

2120. Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether, with reference to the results of the 2011 Green Drop Report as it pertains to the Mkhondo Local Municipality, her department is offering any (a) technical and (b) financial support to this municipality to improve the performance of its wastewater treatment works; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether she intends to visit the municipality to examine the performance of these wastewater treatment works; if not, why not; if so, when;

(3) whether her department has consulted with the Department for Cooperative Governance regarding the state of these wastewater treatment works; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2394E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) Yes, the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) is assisting the municipality to identify its shortcomings with regards to process optimization requirements of the various wastewater treatment facilities within the area under the jurisdiction of the Mkhondo Local Municipality

(1)(b) No, the assessments being conducted by the RRU will inform financial requirements and therefore at this stage there are no financial commitments by the Department.

(2) No, there are no such plans in place at present. When necessary, at any time we will visit the project.

(3) No, the Department's Mpumalanga Regional office is engaging with the Municipality and is planning to have a follow up meeting with Mkhondo Local Municipality on 31 August 2011 to discuss the action plan to rectify its shortcomings. The Department will engage with sector partners in due course.

QUESTION NO. 2119

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 AUGUST 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23)

2119. Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether the Mkhondo Local Municipality has submitted its Corrective Action Plan since the results of the 2011 Blue Drop Report were communicated to them; if not, why not; if so, on what date;

(2) whether the plan is available to the public; if not, why not; if so, where can the public access the document;

(3) what are the relevant details of the (a) plan and (b) response of the Department of Water Affairs to the plan;

(4) what key challenges has the Department of Water Affairs identified for Mkhondo Local Municipality to overcome in order to improve their performance of their drinking water management? NW2393E

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REPLY:

(1) Yes, corrective action plans were submitted to the Department on 12 August 2011.

(2) Yes. The action plan is available at the Mkhondo Local Municipality.

(3)(a) The action plan lists some actions with regard to the shortcomings regarding overall drinking water quality management. The plan lacks detail but indicates that certain crucial matters have already received attention, such as the R200 000 funding which was set aside to improve the functionality of the water treatment operational testing laboratory and the ongoing process of filling all 8 (eight) vacant Process Controller positions. The Department together with the Municipality will work on areas that have not been adequately addressed in the plan. The post of Senior Manager for water and sanitation has also been filled recently.

In addition, both water and wastewater treatment Process Controllers are to be trained in effective treatment operations and R320 000 has been set aside for this purpose. With vandalism having been identified as a major risk to the treatment plants, a security contractor is being appointed to mitigate this risk. An amount of R2 million has been set aside for fencing.

The action plan also states that intervention is required for the boreholes at Rustplaats and Hartebeesfontein because of the risks identified in those areas.

(3)(b) The Department deems the action plan to be lacking in detail yet encouraging since it touches on the crucial elements required to mitigate and manage identified risks. The Department will engage with the Mkhondo Local Municipality to discuss implementation and the support required. The Rapid Response Facility Unit of the Department is ready to assist the Municipality with cost determination to inform business planning processes.

-2-

(4) Through its Blue Drop audit processes, the Department has identified operational monitoring, process controlling, disinfection, risk assessment and management as key shortcomings in the management of drinking water quality within water supply systems under the jurisdiction of the Mkhondo Local Municipality.

QUESTION NO 2111

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 AUGUST 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23)

2111. Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether, with reference to the results of the 2011 Green Drop Report where they pertain to the Mkhondo Local Municipality, the municipality has submitted its corrective action plan; if not, why not; if so, on what date was it submitted;

(2) whether the report is available to the public; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the relevant details of the plan and (b) has been the response of the Department of Water to the plan;

(3) what are the key challenges that the Department of Water have identified that the Mkhondo Local Municipality needs to overcome in order to improve the performance of its wastewater treatment works? NW2385E

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REPLY:

(1) Yes. The corrective action plan was submitted on 12 August 2011.

(2) Yes. The report is available to the public.

(2)(a) The main areas of the action plan to be addressed by the Mkhondo Local Municipality are: the lack of expertise to undertake operational and maintenance (O&M) work for all treatment plants is a major cause for the breakdown of mechanical equipment Waste Treatment Works (WWTWs). The Municipality has recently appointed a Senior Manager for water and sanitation who is an Engineer by profession to address the O&M issues.

The second main problem is the lack of skilled operators to effectively and efficiently operate the sewer treatment works. Four (4) of the sewer treatment plant controllers are in an internship programme funded by Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGseta), which is facilitated and implemented by the Department. The municipality has also set aside R 320 000 to train 16 additional process controllers.

The third issue is funding for infrastructure and the good news is that there are plans currently underway to refurbish the Amsterdam WWTW and this will be funded by the Gert Sibande District Municipality. In addition to this, there is an allocation of R 2 Million for fencing the municipal water and waste water treatment facilities and the Municipality is also in the process of appointing a security contractor to safeguard both the water and waste water treatment facilities against vandalism.

(2)(b) The RRU will allocate a specialist to investigate the challenges facing the Municipality and remedial actions required to turnaround the situation and this will be compared or further inform the findings and actions of the Municipality. Furthermore, the regional office of the Department in Mpumalanga is planning to train municipal staff on the usage of the Green Drop System.

(3) There are a full two pages (p 277 and 278) in the Green Drop Report devoted to the many problems identified at the two WWTWs under control of this Municipality. The key challenges as identified are the need to ensure that operations and maintenance are adequately prioritised and budgeted for, improving skills levels of the process controllers and the prioritisation by politicians and officials of the overall management of waste water services according to the requirements set by the Green Drop certification program.

QUESTION NO 2064

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 AUGUST 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23)

2064. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 2671 on 23 November 2010, (a) what is the current number of posts in the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CME) Directorate in the (i) national and (ii) regional offices of the Department of Water Affairs and (b) which posts are currently vacant at each specified office;

(2) what is (a) the (i) name, (ii) designation and (iii) office allocation of each staff member in the Department of Water Affairs who currently works in compliance and enforcement, (b) the nature of their jobs in each case and (c) their highest educational qualification in each case;

(3) whether any efforts have been made since her reply to increase the number of officials in the department dedicated to compliance, monitoring and enforcement; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2289E

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REPLY:

(1)(a)(i) There are 29 posts in the National Office.

(1)(a)(ii) Only the Mpumalanga Regional office has a fully functional CME unit which has a total of 8 posts. All other Regional offices utilise staff from various components to carry out CME related activities.

(1)(b)(i) Eight (8) posts are vacant at the National Office. These are:

· Deputy Director: Legal Support,

· Deputy Director: Enforcement Support,

· Assistant Directors (2): Investigations (1), Enforcement Support (1)

· Legal Investigator,

· Admin Clerks (3)

(1)(b)(ii) There are 95 vacancies at Regional level as per the table below, but these vacancies are not strictly CME but form part of Water Regulation and Use:

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

1 Environmental Officers

5

Free State

4 Technicians

4 Water pollution control officers

2 Environmental Officers

1 DD: Drinking water quality

11

Gauteng

1 Director: Water Regulation and Use

1

KwaZulu-Natal

2 Legal officers

1 DD: Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement

3

Limpopo

3 Water Resource oversight

3 Hydrologist

2 Assistant Director: Water Resource Oversight

8

Mpumalanga

1 Legal adviser

2 Control Environmental Officers

3

Northern Cape

1 DD: CME

1 AD: Drinking Water Quality

4 Industrial Technicians

6

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

3 DDs: CME

3 Ads: CME

3 DD: Water Regulation(one each WMA)

3 ADs: Water Regulation

1 Legal Advisor; 3 Monitoring & Evaluation Offcer; 2 Technical Advisors – Quantity & Quality

1 Environmental Economist; 3 Development Officers; 6 Hydrologists

3 Administrative Clerks

6 Aquatic Scientist

37

Total

1. (a) (i) (aa), (bb), (cc) and (ii): None.

(b) (i) (aa) SANBI invested R450 000 in 2008-2009. (bb), (cc) and (ii): None.

2. No. The contract between the Department and the University of Cape Town came to an end.

3. Yes. Details are the same as in (2).

4. No, because the work that was contracted out for Safring has been completed.
QUESTION NO. 2049 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 21 NW2298E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 05 August 2011

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

How many rhino-hunting permits were issued in South Africa in the 2010-11 financial year?
Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
2049. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

2010 Permits issued for rhino hunts

Province

NW

NC

FS

WC

EC

LP

GP

MP

KZN

Number permits – White rhino

66

6

8

0

6

31

0

3

9

Number permits – Black rhino

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

2011 Permits issued for rhino hunts

Province

NW

NC

FS

WC

EC

LP

GP

MP

KZN

Number permits – White rhino

77

5

1

0

10

33

0

1

16

Number permits – Black rhino

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

QUESTION NO. 2041 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 21 NW2287E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 05 August 2011

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

(1) Whether, with reference to the visit by representatives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) in November 2010 to assess the possible effects of coal mining operations adjacent to Mapungubwe on the World Heritage Site, she or any person at the Department of Environmental Affairs has received the report of the Unesco delegation; if not, when is it envisaged to be received; if so, on what date was it received;

(2) whether her department has taken any steps in reaction to any of the recommendations contained in the report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the report has been given to Coal of Africa Limited (CoAL); if not, why not; if so, why;

(4) whether the report is available to the public; if not, why not; if so, how can a member of the public obtain a copy?
Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
2041. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) Yes. The final draft was received in March 2011

(2) Yes. Work has commenced with implementation of the recommendations and feedback was given in the last UNESCO WHC June 2011 meeting in Paris.

(3) Yes, the report was given to CoAL in view of the fact that some recommendations needed the direct involvement and execution by the mining company.

(4) In terms of UNESCO rules, documents are made available to the general public once they have been considered by the World Heritage Committee. These documents, which include all committee decisions, are posted on the UNESCO website. However, reports of the Reactive Monitoring Missions are not included on the website, but are available to the public on request.
QUESTION NO. 2039 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 21 NW2285E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 05 August 2011

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

With reference to her reply to question 2822 on 1 December 2010, (a) how many (i) white and (ii) black rhinos have been sold by SANParks to private entities or persons (aa) in 2010 and (bb) during the period 1 January 2011 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (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 PARLIAMENT
HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
2039. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

White rhinoceros sold by SANParks in 2010 and in 2011 up to 8 August:

a) (i)(aa) White Rhinos sold in 2010 were 137

(ii)(bb) White Rhinos sold from April 2011 up to August are 46

SANParks sold no Black Rhinos to private entities during this period

(b) The question on the names of buyers is confidential and therefore cannot be disclosed due to the possible poaching risks and to protect privacy of buyers.

(c) The total amounts paid is R39 229 120.56

(d) The matter is confidential as mentioned in b above.

QUESTION NO 2003

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 05 AUGUST 2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 21)

2003. Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) At how many (i) international and (ii) domestic hotels/guest houses were (aa) she and (bb) her Deputy Minister accommodated during the period 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what (i) was the (aa) name, (bb) star rating and (cc) city location of each specified establishment, (ii) was the (aa) duration and (bb) purpose of the stay in each case and (iii)(aa) was the total cost of the accommodation and (bb) is the breakdown of the accommodation cost in each case? NW2249E

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REPLY:

I am not able to answer this question as it deals with matters that may negatively impact on my personal security and operations of the Department.

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No	(a) Municipality	(b)(i) Date issued	(b)(ii) Reason/s	(b)(iii) Response/s
1	Vhembe District Municipality	23/07/2010	The notice was issued for the malfunctioning of the Eltivillas Sewage Pump Station, Kutama-Sinthumule Prison Sewage Pump Station, Makhado Brewery Distribution sewage pump station and the diversion of raw sewage by the Makhado Sewage Works to the Litshovhu River.	The Municipality informed the Department that, the pump stations have been repaired and the contractor has been appointed for the management of the pump stations. The upgrading at the sewage works inlet has been completed and the treatment process is functioning well.
2	Capricorn District Municipality	22/09/2010	The notice was issued for the Helen Frans Oxidation Ponds for the overflow of raw sewage to the environment caused by the blockages of sewer line.	The sewer blockages have since been repaired.
3	Capricorn District Municipality	22/09/2010	The notice was issued for the malfunctioning of the pump station at Soekmekaar and blockages in the sewer line causing overflow of raw sewage to the environment.	The Municipality informed the Department that, the appointed consultants repaired the pump station at Soekmekaar and the pump station is regularly maintained.
4	Aganang Local Municipality	22/09/2010	The notice was issued for the overflow of raw sewage from the septic tank within the municipality yard.	The Municipality informed the Department that, the septic tank has been upgraded and is now operating well.
No	(a) Municipality	(b)(i) Date issued	(b)(ii) Reason/s	(b)(iii) Response/s
5	Polokwane Local Municipality	1/11/2010	The notice was issued for the discharge of partially treated sewage effluent containing significant sludge into the Sand River.	The Municipality has attended to the problem. A new wastewater treatment plant has been commissioned to alleviate the current overloading.
6	Mogalakwena Local Municipality	14/01/2011	The notice was issued for the overflow of raw sewage from the Masehlaneng Oxidation Ponds to the environment and Rooislot River.	The Municipality responded by preventing the overflow as a remedial action.

No			Name of WWTWs		Current Status of WWTWs			Interventions by the Department
1				Theronia WWTW	Functional, but overloaded.			Refurbishment and maintenance will be completed by end of September 2011
2			Odendaalsrus WWTW		Currently the plant is being refurbished and upgraded			Refurbishment and upgrading will be completed by end of September 2011
3				Witpan WWTW Thabong WWTW	Flooded and non-functional
								Technical report compiled and approved by Department, Human Settlement and CoGT A.
4					Functional			The Department is providing technical support to increase the capacity of the plant to 24ML/day - department provides inputs in the development of the technical report and designs, The Department is evaluating the variation order to complete phase 1 (Supply and delivery of mobile pumps, dehydrator slap and refurbishment of the buildings
5				Virginia WWTW	The plant is not effectively operational – the aerators are not functional			The Department renders support by evaluating the technical report for MIG funding
6				Phomolong WWTW	Not effectively operational			The Department issued a directive to the municipality to provide an action plan and relevant budget to rectify the non-functioning units. The Department has approved the outfall sewer I design for MIG funding
[ 7			Ventersburg WWTW		The oxidation pond system is overloaded and pond wall leaking		No intervention from the Department except for the technical advice provided. The Department is in a process to issue a non-compliance letter to the municipality as a results of Green Drop report. The municipality needs to budget for the upgrade of the plant.
8		Hennenman WWTW				Not effectively operational			The Department issued a directive to the municipality to provide an action plan and relevant budget to rectify the non-functioning units. The Department has approved the outfall sewer design for MIG funding
9		Kutlwanong WWTW				Not effectively operational (clarifiers and aerators not functional). Upgrading of the WWTW is in progress			The Department is in a process to issue a non- compliance letter to the municipality as result of the Green Drop report.
	10	Whites WWWT				De-commissioned, only pump station remaining. Sewerage is directed to Hennenman WWTW			No intervention from the Department

11		Allanridge WWTW				Not effectively operational			The Department renders support by evaluating the technical report for MIG Funding

No	Date of site visit	Area visited i
	visited
1	11/03/2011		Hennenman and Phomolong WWTWs
2	12/05/2011		Witpan WWTW and Klippan Pump Station
3	21/06/2011		Virginia, Thabong and Theronia WWTWs
4	22/06/2011		Hennenman and Phomolong WWTWs	I
5	27/06/2011		AlianridQe and Odendaalsrus WWTWs

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 1 Environmental Officers	5
Free State	4 Technicians 4 Water pollution control officers 2 Environmental Officers 1 DD: Drinking water quality	11
Gauteng	1 Director: Water Regulation and Use	1
KwaZulu-Natal	2 Legal officers 1 DD: Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement	3
Limpopo	3 Water Resource oversight 3 Hydrologist 2 Assistant Director: Water Resource Oversight	8
Mpumalanga	1 Legal adviser 2 Control Environmental Officers	3
Northern Cape	1 DD: CME 1 AD: Drinking Water Quality 4 Industrial Technicians	6
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	3 DDs: CME 3 Ads: CME 3 DD: Water Regulation(one each WMA) 3 ADs: Water Regulation 1 Legal Advisor; 3 Monitoring & Evaluation Offcer; 2 Technical Advisors – Quantity & Quality 1 Environmental Economist; 3 Development Officers; 6 Hydrologists 3 Administrative Clerks 6 Aquatic Scientist	37
Total

Province	NW	NC	FS	WC	EC	LP	GP	MP	KZN
Number permits – White rhino	66	6	8	0	6	31	0	3	9
Number permits – Black rhino	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	1