Water & Environmental Affairs

2013-05-29

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Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NO. 3207

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 38 of 2013 NW3767E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15 November 2013

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

(1) What quantity of (a) Panthera leo, (b) Panthera pardus, (c) Panthera tigris, (d) Panthera tigris altaica and (e) Panthera tigris tigris was exported in (i) 2011, (ii) 2012 and (iii) 2013 under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (aa) live, (bb) skins, (cc) bones, (dd) trophies, (ee) specimens, (ff) bodies, (gg) skulls and (hh) skeletons in each case;

(2) were these consignments exported to (a) China, (b) the Lao People's Democratic Republic and/or (c) Vietnam; if so, in each case, what was the (i) quantity of each of these consignments, (ii) name of the exporters and (iii) name of the recipients who received the goods?

3207. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(1) Based on the CITES Annual reports for 2011 and 2012, permits were issued for the following:

(i) 2011

(a) Panthera leo, (aa)

(aa) Live=39

(bb) Skins=81

(cc) Bones=55

(dd) Trophies=313

(ee) Specimens=0

(ff) Bodies=40

(gg) Skulls=181

(hh) Skeletons=512

(b) Panthera pardus

(aa) Live=9

(bb) Skins=85

(cc) Bones=35

(dd) Trophies=79

(ee) Specimens=0

(ff) Bodies=6

(gg) Skulls=146

(hh) Skeletons=0

(d) Panthera trigis trigis

(aa) Live=27

(bb) Skins=5

(cc) Bones=0

(dd) Trophies=1

(ee) Specimens=0

(ff) Bodies=0

(gg) Skulls=0

(hh) Skeletons=0

(i) (i) 2011

Panthera Leo

Live (a) N/A (b) N/A and (c) 12

Skins(a) 1 (b) N/A and (c) N/A

Bones(a) N/A (b) 1 and (c) N/A

Trophies(a) 34 (b) 24and (c) N/A

Specimens(a) N/A (b) N/A and (c) N/A

Bodies(a) 16 (b) N/A and (c) 32

Skulls(a) N/A (b) N/A and (c) N/A

Skeletons(a) 2 (b) 425 and (c) N/A

Panthera pardus

Bodies (a) 2 (b) N/A and (c) N/A

(1) (ii) 2012

(a) Panthera leo

(aa) Live=183

(bb) Skins=93

(cc) Bones=738,82 kg and 1612 individual bones

(dd) Trophies=847

(ee) Specimens=0

(ff) Bodies=10

(gg) Skulls=143

(hh) Skeletons=114

(b) Panthera pardus

(aa) Live=23

(bb) Skins=56

(cc) Bones=19

(dd) Trophies=91

(ee) Specimens=150

(ff) Bodies=5

(gg) Skulls=78

(hh) Skeletons=0

(aa) Live=17

(bb) Skins=0

(cc) Bones=0

(dd) Trophies=0

(ee) Specimens=0

(ff) Bodies=0

(gg) Skulls=1

(hh) Skeletons=0

(d) Panthera tigris altaica – no exports for 2012

(e) Panthera tigris tigris

(aa) Live=13

(bb) Skins=2

(cc) Bones=0

(dd) Trophies=2

(ee) Specimens=0

(ff) Bodies=1

(gg) Skulls=1

(hh) Skeletons=0

(2) (i) 2012

Live (a) 24 (b) N/A and (c) 2

Skins(a) N/A (b) N/A and (c) N/A

Bones(a) N/A (b) 1577 and (c) 738,82 kg

Trophies(a) 36 (b) 1 and (c) 8

Specimens(a) N/A (b) N/A and (c) N/A

Bodies(a) 15 (b) 20 and (c) N/A

Skulls(a) N/A (b) 8 and (c) N/A

Skeletons(a) 2 (b) 92 and (c) N/A

Panthera pardu

Body (a) 2 (b) N/A and (c) N/A

Panthera tigris (a) N/A (b) N/A and (c) 2

No Panthera tigris tigris specimen was exported to China, Lao PDR or VietNam.

(1) (iii) The CITES Annual report for 2013 will only be finalized in October 2014 and therefore information cannot be made available at this point in time.

(2) (ii) The Department of Environmental Affairs does not have the names of the exporters and the recipients who received the specimens. The provincial conservation authorities who issued the permits should be contacted if this information is needed.

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NO 3199

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 NOVEMBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 38)

3199. Ms B D Ferguson (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

In light of the lack of personnel with technical expertise and the competition for such expertise between her department, local government and the private sector, what is her departments doing to (a) retain and (b) recruit personnel with the expertise to (i) complete projects like the Nandoni Dam and (ii) provide access to water for the majority of the people? NW3759E

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REPLY:

(a)(b) The challenge to develop, recruit and retain technical skills, especially in the area of engineering is a known national issue. Furthermore, the OSD policy has set in place rigorous requirements that have elevated the barrier for recruiting personnel in the engineering and scientific fields. As a result the majority of potential employees do not meet the OSD requirements. However, the Department has deployed innovative interventions to address this challenge, which include growing future talent through the award winning Learning. Academy and increasing the pool of candidate engineers and scientists that are placed in critical performance areas in the Department. To date, the Department has developed, placed and retained 198 graduate trainees.

(b)(i)(ii) The Departmental vacancy rate for technical posts on the OSD stream 19% (233 posts) out of 1140, of which 907 posts are filled. To complete the projects, the posts will be filled through the recruitment process and also as indicated above.

In addition:

The Department of Water Affair (DWA) has always been putting emphasis on transfer of skills, in accordance with Departments Policy for the Selection, contracting and monitoring of PSPs (dated 11 August 2006). Skills and knowledge transfer is targeted towards DWA personnel, emerging consultants and the local labour. Previously, there was no measurement and monitoring systems to ensure that this happen. This did not help in reducing the rate at which DWA outsource services.

In response to this, the Directorate: National Water Resource Infrastructure Branch (NWRI) has developed a Socio-Economic Empowerment Strategy (SEES), which was approved by the DG in June 2012. The Strategy spells out the imperatives of project benefits to surrounding communities and targets (%) that find expression in the contracts that DWA signs with implementing partners, including Consultants. In addition, a panel of 45 PSPs has been established to provide professional services over the next 3 years.

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NO. 3077 {NW3635E}

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 37 OF 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 November 2013

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

(a) When last were toxicity levels of the (i) Olifants and (ii) Sabie rivers inside the Kruger National Park tested by the SA National Parks (SANParks) and (b) what were the results in each case?

3077. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a) (i) Not applicable.

(ii) Not applicable.

(b) SANParks does not conduct tests of toxicity levels of rivers, as this is done in the Kruger National Park by the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme. In terms of this Programme, toxicity tests are conducted only in response to a fish kill or other mortality event, as the tests are too expensive to conduct on a routine basis. Toxicity tests have shown no chemicals in excess of allowable limits, even during the major crocodile mortality event of 2008.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 3045

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 NOVEMBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 37)

3045. Mr F A Rodgers (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) How many households in each ward in uMzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal, have access to potable water;

(2) (a) in which wards in uMzimkhulu are water reticulation projects currently being undertaken, (b) how many households are expected to benefit from these projects and (c) what is the time frame for each of these projects? NW3599E

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REPLY:

(1) Table 1 below indicates both the number of households served and un-served per ward in the uMzimkhulu Local Municipality (LM). Approximately 56% of the households are currently served and 44% un-served.

Table 1:

Ward No.	House Holds Served	House Holds Un-served
1	1128	484
2	1140	497
3	976	20
4	832	350
5	779	563
6	1070	321
7	469	623
8	403	783
9	484	489
10	397	796
11	375	534
12	455	642
13	1116	256
14	952	186
15	66	697
16	0	733
17	128	807
18	462	626
19	490	453
20	959	93
Total	12681	9953

(2)(a) There are water projects currently underway in the uMzimkhulu LM that are funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and the Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant (MWIG). The ward location per current project is indicated in Table 2 below.

(2)(b) A total of 12 547 households will benefit cumulatively from the various projects under current implementation of water projects in uMzimkhulu LM. Please see Table 2 below for number of households to benefit per current project.

(2)(c) The planned completion dates per current project is indicated in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Details on current water projects under implementation in the uMzimkhulu LM.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 3036

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 NOVEMBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 37)

3036. Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether she has established any entities to continue with the work of the (a) irrigation boards and (b) water user associations; if not, why not; if so, what are the (i) names of those entities, (ii) costs involved and (iii) further relevant details? NW3571E

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REPLY:

No entities have been established to continue with the work of irrigation boards and water user associations because the National Water Policy Review process has not been finalised yet.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 3035

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08 NOVEMBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 37)

3035. Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether her department has been informed that no water is reaching Middelburg from the Klein Olifants River, the town's main water supply;

(2) whether her department has investigated the situation; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether her department has investigated the concerns of the local people who suspect that mining activities and farmers are blocking the water supply upstream in the Klein Olifants River; if not,

(4) whether her department will investigate the claim? NW3529E

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REPLY:

(1) Yes, the Department is aware of the sub catchment which is stressed upstream Middelburg Dam.

(2) Investigations were done by the Department from 7 to 11, 21 to 25 and 28 to
31 October 2013, and revealed that there is not enough water flowing into the Middelburg Dam. As part of the process, the Department has published a restriction notice in the Government Gazette notice no. 685 in September 2013.

With recent rains over the last two weeks of October 2013, a gradual increase in flow into the dam has been observed resulting in a marginal water level gain of more than one percent.

(3) The Department has investigated the claims however no evidence of physical blocking of water has been observed. Further compliance investigations are underway.

(4) The Department is consulting with the water users in the catchment, especially the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, on an ongoing basis until the situation normalises.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 3008

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 01 NOVEMBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 36)

3008. Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) How many complaints has her department received from residents in the Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality with regard to the (i) sludge provided by the municipality to farmers in the Kempton Park area and (ii) resultant odour and (b) what action has her department taken to address these complaints;

(2) what classification of sludge in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 is being utilised on the Kempton Park farms;

(3) whether her department has done any tests or studies to determine whether the sludge poses any safety hazards to residents of the area? NW3558E

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REPLY:

(1) The Department has not received any complaints from residents in the Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality with regard to sludge provided by the municipality to farmers in the Kempton Park area.

(2) The Department has not received any information regarding sludge provided by the municipality to farmers in the Kempton Park area. To ensure proper sludge management, the Department has developed guidelines for the utilization and disposal of wastewater sludge. These guidelines focus on the classification of sludge and give guidance to the sludge producer on the selection of management options depending on the composition/ quality of sludge.

(3) No. Since the Department is not aware of any complaints no investigation has been carried out thus far to determine the safety of the sludge for use in farming. However, investigation will be conducted and the necessary steps will be taken as soon as we receive complaints and/or we investigate facts and follow up.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 2992

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 01 NOVEMBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 36)

2992. Mr I M Ollis (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

With reference to her reply to question 1748 on 19 August 2013, (a) on what pages of the annual financial report do the answers to the question appear, (b) what are the answers to question 1748 in the case where the relevant details are not in the said report and (c) why did she indicate that the answer would be found in the annual report? NW3542E

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REPLY:

(a) The costs will be appearing in the Financial Statements on page 245, Note 32.1 Additions: Machinery and Equipment: Transport Assets.

(b) In terms of our records only the Minister has purchased a vehicle since January 2012 as a result of the previous vehicle she inherited from former Minister Sonjica who left Ministry in 2010 having reached the allowed 5 years as per the Ministerial Handbook.

I had several breakdowns to an extent that I had to give up my garment (stockings) to fix the car fan belt. This information is shared for purposes of the difficult times we undergo as Ministers at times.

(c) The item in question is normally reported in the Annual report, under Note 32.1 Additions: Machinery and Equipment: Transport Assets. The note covers all the activities regarding transport assets in general.

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NO 2988

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 01 NOVEMBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 36)

2988. Mr F A Rodgers (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) How many water licence applications are currently being considered in each province, (b) when was each application submitted and (c) what is the average turnaround time for a water licence application? NW3538E

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REPLY:

(a) Table 1 below reflects the total number of applications since 2010 to date. The total number of applications in process is 800 as at 27 September 2013.

· Column 1 is the total number of applications received per Region;

· Column 2 is the number of applications finalised; and

· Column 3 is the number of applications still in process.

Table 1

Province	Number of applications received from 2010 to 2013	Number of applications finalised to date	Number of applications still in process	Total
Eastern Cape	473	364	109	473
Free State	129	42	87	129
Gauteng	136	90	46	136
KwaZulu-Natal	195	80	115	195
Limpopo	288	181	107	288
Mpumalanga	321	274	47	321
Northern Cape	197	64	136	197
North West	207	171	36	207
Western Cape	308	191	117	308
Totals	2 254	1 457	800	2 254

(b) The finalization of the 2254 licences applications received since 2010 varies from one application to the other. It should be noted that through the Letsema project that was implemented in order to clear the backlog, the Department of Water Affairs has already finalized 4443 Water Use Licences (WUL) since 2010 to 27 September 2013.

(c) The average turn around time varies depending on the sector, with mines and industry taking about 300 days, and agriculture and forestry taking up to 120 days.

Currently, the Department is working together with Department of Environmental Affairs and Department of Mineral Resources with the aim of aligning the processes required by the three Departments when applying for authorization. A report with proposed timeframes of 210 to 300 days has been drafted to guide discussions which are still ongoing.

Appendix A – List of Water Use Licence Applications From 2011-2013 see the link: http://www.pmg.org.za/rnw2988appendix

Appendix 2: 2013 WULAs List with Application Dates: http://www.pmg.org.za/rnw2988-appendix-2

2011 Applications: http://www.pmg.org.za/rnw2988applications

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 2978

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 01 NOVEMBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 36)

2978. Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether she is aware of information indicating that 10% of the 55 million m³ water set aside in Pongolapoort Dam for Umkanyakude Municipality has been allocated for sugarcane irrigation via a certain company (name furnished);

(2) what (a) impact will this have on rural households and (b) are the relevant details? NW3525E

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REPLY:

(1) The Department firstly wish to correct that a Water Use Licence was issued to Zamokuhle Trust and not Quamakuhle. The Department issued a water use licence to Zamokuhle Trust on 10 October 2013, to abstract a total volume of 5 58 million m³ of water per annum from the Pongolapoort Dam for the purpose of irrigating 555 hectares of agricultural crops for a period of 10 years. A further condition is that this license will be reviewed on a five year basis.

The Department has not received a complete Water Use License Application from the Umkhanyakude District Municipality (DM). The Department has not committed to setting aside un-allocated water from the Pongolapoort Dam to the DM, however priority will be given to domestic use application. The Department has engaged the DM to prioritise the application for a Water Use Licence, which will be completed by 30 November 2013.

(2) Regarding the impact on rural households, the Department is assisting the Umkhanyakude (DM) with the provision of water services through the funding of the bulk component of the Jozini – Ingwavuma (Pongolapoort) Water Supply Project Phase 1. The project was initiated by the Provincial Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and in February 2008 the Mhlathuze Water was appointed as Implementing Agent for the scheme. The appointment was for the planning, design, and construction of all components of the scheme, to be undertaken in a phased manner over a number of years, based on priorities within the area and the availability of funding.

The Department began co-funding the first phase of the project from the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) in 2011/12. The estimated cost of the total scheme is R 1 457 million. To date CoGTA has contributed R74.5 million and the Department has utilized R68.3 million under the RBIG funding to the end of March 2013.

Due to the large backlogs in the area the project was included in a bid to National Treasury for additional funding in November 2012 and R150 million and R350 million additional funding was allocated to the Umkhanykude DM for the 2013/14 and 2014/15 years respectively.

The project aims to ultimately supply potable water to a population of 134,000 people (approximately 16,200 households) and the first phase comprises of raw water abstraction from the Pongolapoort Dam, installation of a package water treatment plant, development of a new 40 Ml/day treatment plant, bulk mains, storage reservoirs and distribution networks at a cost of R430 million. Contracts in the initial Phase 1:1 were by and large completed successfully and within schedule and budget however, progress has been hampered in Phase 1:2 by the liquidation of one of the main contractors and the termination of 3 others due to poor performance. The Department is working with the IA and the WSA to ensure that the project can be fast tracked to ensure effective utilisation of the additional funding that was secured.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO. 2970 [NW3521E]

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 35 OF 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 October 2013

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

(a) When last was an elephant census conducted in the Kruger National Park and (b) what was the elephant count?

2970. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a) 2012

(b) 16571

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO. 2969 [NW3520E]

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 35 OF 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 October 2013

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

Whether SA National Parks (SANParks) conducts polygraph tests on all their game rangers in the fight against poaching; if so, how many (a) times per year and (b) rangers, if any, have failed the tests?

2969. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

Yes. Layered Voice Analysis (LVA) process was used.

a) Ongoing and underway.

b) 67 of which 25 need further investigation.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 2963

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 OCTOBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 35)

2963. Ms B D Ferguson (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether she has received the long-term feasibility plan with regard to acid mine drainage (details furnished); if not, why not; if so,

(2) what progress has she made regarding the implementation of solutions for the rise of acidity in the water? NW3514E

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REPLY:

(1) The Long-Term Solution Feasibility Report has been received by the Department for presentation to the Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) for mine water management and it is currently within the approval process.

(2) Significant progress is being made with the implementation of emergency works for Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) management in the Witwatersrand goldfields (Western, Central and Eastern Basins). The emergency works included specific immediate and short-term solutions, which entail the pumping and neutralisation of AMD. The emergency works are aimed at containing AMD at a pre-determined level which will ensure that ground and surface water resources are protected, as well as preventing other AMD-associated environmental and socio-economic impacts.

· In the Western Basin, the immediate solution is operational, resulting in the eradication of surface decant into the environment. Since August 2012, total surface decant of AMD that previously flowed untreated into the river (the Tweelopie Spruit) is now treated by neutralisation (pH correction, metal removal and partial sulphate removal). The level of AMD is now reduced to 3 (three) metres from surface decant.

· In the Central Basin, work commenced in January 2013 towards the construction of an AMD pump-station, neutralisation plant and, waste and neutralised water pipelines at the former East Rand Proprietary Mine (South West Vertical Shaft). Civil works are currently at an advanced stage of development and commissioning is projected for December 2013. Neutralised water will be discharged into the Elsburg Spruit (tributary of the Klip Rivier) and waste sludge from the neutralisation plant will be disposed onto a tailings facility and/ or at dedicated sludge disposal sites (currently being assessed for suitability). Once pumping and neutralisation of mine water commences, it will maintain AMD at a pre-determined level which will ensure that ground and surface water resources are protected, as well as preventing other AMD-related impacts. Currently, the level of underground AMD does not present any environmental or socio-economic risks.

· In the Eastern Basin, infrastructure similar to the Central Basin is projected for development at the former Pamodzi/ Aurora Gold Mine (Grootvlei No. 3 Shaft). A bid for this project was recently advertised and mandatory briefing meetings with potential service providers already convened. It is envisaged that a bid will be awarded by December 2013 with the project commissioning scheduled for December 2014.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 2962

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 OCTOBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 35)

2962. Ms B D Ferguson (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What steps has her department taken to ensure that municipalities are made aware that lack of water demand management as a strategic issue in a water-scarce country impacts significantly on water for growth and development? NW3513E

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REPLY:

(1) The Non Revenue Water Report released in March 2013 indicates that there are huge water losses in the municipal water infrastructure. The Department of Water Affairs (Department) Regional Offices engaged with municipalities in their respective Provinces, where workshops were held in all nine (9) Provinces to inform and alert the municipalities of the state of their water losses. Funding from the Department's Accelerated Community Infrastructure Programme (ACIP) is supporting some of the municipalities on Water Conservation and Water Demand Management (WC/WDM). In Kwa Zulu-Natal and Northern Cape for example, there is formal WC/WDM forums, with the KZN WC/WDM Forum launched officially by the Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs on 29 August 2013. In these forums the municipalities and the Regional Offices come together to discuss issues of Water Balancing, Pressure Management, Tariff settings, and Data Management. Through the ACIP funding a total volume of water saved in municipalities for the second quarter of the current financial year is 32 929 195 m³ for the Domestic Sector.

(2) The Department has supported the municipalities in developing WC/WDM strategies, as well as the implementation of these strategies in some Provinces. A total number of forty-four (44) Municipalities have been supported in implementing WC/WDM measures to reduce water losses, namely :

· Eastern Cape Province – 8: Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (MM), Kouga LM, Camdeboo LM, Amathole District Municipality (DM), Blue Crane LM, Chris Hani DM, Makana LM, Buffalo City MM;

· Free State Province – 1: Mangaung MM;

· Gauteng Province – 1: Ekurhuleni MM;

· Mpumalanga – 2: Msukaligwa and Thaba Chweu Local Municipalities (LM);

· Northern Cape – 7: Emthanjeni LM, Sol Plaatjie LM, Magareng LM, Richtersveld LM, Tsantsabane LM, //Khara Hais LM, KareebergLM;

· North West Province – 3: Ventersdorp LM, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati DM, Matlosana LM;

· Limpopo Province – 1: Mogalakwena LM;.

Western Cape Province – 21: Matzikama LM, Bergrivier LM, Swaartland LM, Saldanha LM,Witzernberg LM, Drakenstein LM, Breede Valley LM, Langeberg LM,Theewaterskloof

LM, Swellendam LM, Overstrand LM, Cape Agulhas LM Hessequa LM, Bitou LM, Knysna LM, Mosselbay LM, Oudtshoorn LM, George LM, Beaufort West LM, Laingsburg LM and the City of Cape Town MM.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 2961

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 OCTOBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 35)

2961. Ms B D Ferguson (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether she is aware that the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo relies on boreholes for over 90% of its water supply sources; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3512E

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REPLY:

Through the water supply analysis the Department is aware that 64.3% of Capricorn District Municipality (DM) depends on boreholes for their daily water supply, with the remaining 35.7% supplied through the regional water supply schemes.

The Capricorn DM comprises of 574 Villages which include the Polokwane Local Municipality (LM) that has a status of Water Service Authority (WSA). Within the whole district there are 369 villages that are supplied from 527 boreholes located within five (5) Local Municipalities that fall under the Capricorn DM. 205 Villages are supplied through eight (8) Regional Water Schemes, namely, Chuene Maja, Molepo, Dalmada, Seshego, Houtriver, Ebenezer, Olifantspoort and Mashashan Regional Water Schemes.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 2919

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 OCTOBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 35)

2919. Adv L H Max (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) How much has (a) her departments and (b) each of the entities reporting to her spent on advertisements placed on the Africa News Network 7 (ANN7) news channel;

(2) were these advertisements placed through the Government Information and Communications System? NW3470E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) The Department and its entities have not spent money on advertising with Africa News Network Channel.

(2) Falls away.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO 2886

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 OCTOBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 35)

2886. Mr A P van der Westhuizen (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) What amount has (a) her departments and (b) each of the entities reporting to her spent on advertising (i) in The New Age newspaper and (ii) on its website between 1 December 2012 and 31 August 2013;

(2) were these advertisements placed through the Government Information and Communication System? NW3437E

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REPLY:

(1) Refer to table below for amounts spent on advertising in The New Age newspaper and on its website.

	(1)(a)(i) Advertising in The New Age Newspapers between 1 December 2012 to 31 August 2013	(1)(a)(ii) Advertising in The New Age website between 1 December 2012 to 31 August 2013
The Department	R152 785.08	None
The Entities	None	None

(2) Neither the Department nor its entities advertised through the Government Information and Communication System.

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO. 2797 {NW3302E}

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 33 OF 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 October 2013

Mr A P van der Westhuizen (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) What amount has (a) her departments and (b) each of the entities reporting to her spent on advertisements placed on the SABC 24 hour news channel; and

(2) Were these advertisements placed through the Government Communication and Information System?

2797. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(1) a) The Department of Environmental Affairs has not spent any money on the SABC 24 hour news channel.

b) Entities

· The South African Weather Service has not placed any adverts for broadcasting on the SABC 24 hour news channel,)

· iSimangaliso Wetland Parks Authority has not placed adverts on the SABC 24 hour news channel;

· South African National Biodiversity Institute has not placed advertisements on the SABC 24 hour news channel; and

· South African National Parks has not spent any funds on advertising with SABC 24 hour news channel.

(2) Not applicable.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO 2797

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 OCTOBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 33)

2797. Mr A P van der Westhuizen (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) What amount has (a) her departments and (b) each of the entities reporting to her spent on advertisements placed on the SABC 24 hour news channel;

(2) were these advertisements placed through the Government Communication and Information System? NW3302E

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REPLY:

(1) Neither the Department nor each entity reporting to me has advertised on SABC 24 hour news channel.

(2) Falls away

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO.2721 NW3210E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.33 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 18 October 2013

Ms B D Ferguson (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether she and her department will play any role in the formulation of regulations regarding fracking; if not, why not; if so, what (a) role will they play and (b) are the further relevant details?

2721. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

Yes.

a) The Department is represented on the Inter-departmental Hydraulic Fracturing Monitoring Committee which was approved by Cabinet. The "proposed technical regulations for petroleum exploration and exploitation", which will govern hydraulic fracturing of shale gas were presented and discussed through this forum. Through the drafting process the Department has made comments on two draft version and will make further comment to the gazetted regulations.

b) No, not at this time.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO 2629

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 OCTOBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32)

2629. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether any performance bonuses were paid to employees in her departments in the 2012-13 financial year; if so, what is the total (a) number of employees that received bonuses and (b) amount paid out by her department for these bonuses;

(2) what percentage of outputs were achieved by her department as measured against each target set in its Annual Performance Plan in the 2012-13 financial year? NW3117E

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REPLY:

(1) No, the moderation process in respect of 2012/2013 financial year has not been concluded.

(2) The percentage of outputs achieved by the Department as measured against each target set in its Annual Performance Plan in the 2012/13 financial year has been split in accounts of the Department, which is as follows:

· The percentage achievement for the Main Account for the 2012/13 Financial Year is 53%.

· The percentage achievement for the Water Trading Entity for the 2012/13 Financial Year is 61%.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO. 2615 {NW3102E}

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32 OF 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 October 2013

Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) What steps has (a) her department and (b) the SA National Parks (SANParks) taken to prevent rhino poaching;

(2) What steps will (a) her department and (b) SANParks take in future to prevent rhino poaching?

2615. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

1 (a) The Department of Environmental Affairs has taken the following steps:

· Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with the Republic of China and Vietnam;

· The MoU between Lao and South Africa has been finalised and is awaiting signature;

· Draft MoU with Cambodia, Thailand and Mozambique developed, negotiated, and awaiting finalisation;

· The implementation of a joint approach has been approved by the recent SADC meeting of Ministers of Environments, and the process is underway;

· Review of the National Strategy for the Safety and Security of Rhinoceros Populations in South Africa initiated to address emerging issues; and

· Legislative interventions such as:

o The amended Norms and Standards for the marking of rhinoceros and rhinoceros horn, and for the hunting of rhinoceros for trophy hunting purposes, has been published in the government gazette and are being implemented;

o The implementation of the Black Rhino Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) (a provision in terms of the Biodiversity Act) is underway;

o The White Rhino BMP is in the process of being developed; and

o Amendments were made to the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004), to address most of the challenges relating to the permitting system, with respect to the listed threatened or protected species (for example, rhinoceros) and alien and invasive species.

(b) SANParks has taken the following steps:

· The Ranger Corps and associated divisions were reorganised into an anti–poaching force with unified command;

· A Joint Operation Centre (JOC) was established to ensure 24/7 command and control of operations;

· Cooperation and communication with all members of the task force (SANDF and SAPS) were streamlined;

· Twelve renewal/expansion projects are being executed focused on radio communication, the air capability, the canine component, the Special Ranger force, Protection Services and specialised equipment;

· More than a dozen training courses were presented to ensure special skills development;

· Alliances with private reserves on the Western boundary were concluded as part of the "buffer zone" concept to ensure intelligence, early warning and disruptive engagement with poachers in those parks;

· Community programs were intensified to enhance cooperation and intelligence sharing;

· Three projects were launched in Mozambique:

o Cooperation with the Limpopo National Park to ultimately allow for joint cross border operations;

o Cooperation with the Concessionaire's in Mozambique, adjacent to the south eastern areas of the KNP, yet again according to the "buffer zone" concept; and

o Operation LEBOMBO has been conceptualised and discussed with the Mozambican Authority, and will be launched before the festive season;

· The resettlement of the seven villages out of the Limpopo National Park is been pursued as priority with the Mozambique government.

2. (a) DEA

· The department will continue with the implementation of the joint strategy with all other affected government departments, including law enforcement agencies; and

· The department will implement key recommendations emanating from the Rhino Issues Management process, including the establishment of a National Rhino Fund, to assist in the implementation of key interventions.

(b) SANParks

· Execute the three year plan to build an anti-poaching capability addressing people, including leaders, organisations and processes, sustainment, training, equipment (including technology) and doctrine;

· Continue with the Mozambique initiatives as well as new projects;

· Improve the flow and processing of crime intelligence;

· Work towards an integrated Government approach, resulting in more resources dedicated from more departments;

· Establish Intensive Protection Zones in areas where the biggest Rhino populations are found;

· Continue investigations into asset management – options related to the Rhino horn;

· Implement technology solutions; and

· Ensure total access control including the two international border posts

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO 2610

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 OCTOBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32)

2610. Mr F A Rodgers (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) How much water has been extracted from the Pongola Dam (a) in (i) 2011 and (ii) 2012 and (b) since 1 January 2013;

(2) How is the water extracted from the Pongola Dam distributed?

(3) What are the uses of the water extracted from the Pongola Dam?

(4) What profit has been generated by the Pongola Dam (a) in (i) 2011 and (ii) 2012 and (b) since 1 January 2013? NW3097E

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REPLY:

(1) The following volumes have been extracted from Pongolapoort Dam. Refer to table below:

Period	As per International Agreement with Swaziland (in m³)	Mjindi Canal release for agricultural use (in m³)	Domestic & Industrial together with Agriculture from dam basin (in m³)
(1)(a)(i) Jan 2011 - Dec 2011	2 954 378	39 191 738	28 753 052
(1)(a)(ii) Jan 2012 - Dec 2012	3 948 048	41 125 278	24 701 448
(1)(a)(iii) Jan 2013 - Sept 2013	2 936 181	39 470 990	32 730 828

The ecological flow has to be let out of the dam (226 million m³ for 2011, 220 million m³ for 2012 and 165 million m³ currently for 2013). Over and above, the annual flood release also has to be made (293 million m³ for 2011, 233 million m³ for 2012 and 215 million m³ for 2013). Due to instructions from the Dam Safety Office, the dam is operated currently at 80% capacity as a result of the situation during Cyclone Demoina in 1984.

(2) For Domestic, Industrial, Agricultural and supply to Swaziland, the water is abstracted with pumps and distributed via pipelines and canal systems.

(3) The uses are for Domestic, Industrial and Agriculture as per the International Agreement with Swaziland.

(4)(a) Kindly note that the Department of Water Affairs nor its entities generate no profit from water. Refer to Table below for the surplus recorded per period is:

Period	Revenue collected	Expenses	Surplus
(4)(a)(i) Jan 2011 - Dec 2011	R 4,230,790.65	R 7,313,660.94	(R 3,082,870.29)
(4)(a)(ii) Jan 2012 - Dec 2012	R19,013,608.96	R 6,385,968.91	R12,627,640.05
(4)(a)(iii) Jan 2013 - Sept 2013	R6,436,423.35	R 3,022,894.36	R3,413,528.99

The additional revenue received in 2012 was a result of turn-around strategy by the Department to collect historical debt that was long outstanding.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO. 2609 [NW3096E]

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32 OF 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 October 2013

Mr F A Rodgers (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) When was the last rhino population audit done; and

(b) What was the outcome of the audit?

2609. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a) February 2013

(b) White rhinos = 18910

Black rhinos = 2044

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO 2608

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 OCTOBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32)

2608. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether a water use license has been approved for Peerboom Farm Opencast Coal Mine near Marapong Township and Lephalale; if not, when will a public participation process regarding the licence take place; if so, how were the requirements of public participation process regarding the licence fulfilled? NW3095E

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REPLY:

The Department has not approved any license for Peerboom Farm Opencast Coal Mine near Marapong Township and Lephalale. The Department may not know when the public participation will take place unless it is notified by the applicant.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO. 2607 [NW3094E]

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32 OF 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 October 2013

Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) How many rhino hunting permits were issued (a) in 2012 and (b) from 1 January 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; and

(2) Which professional hunters managed each of these rhino hunts?

(3) (a) How many rhino trophies were exported,

(b) To which countries were these trophies exported; and

(c) How many trophies were exported to each of the specified countries (i) in 2012; and (ii) from
1 January 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

2607. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

1) The information should be sourced from provinces, as it is well known, this function is performed by Provinces;

(2) The information should be sourced from provinces,as it is well known, this function is performed by Provinces;

(3) (a) (b) & (c)The information should be sourced from provinces.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO. 2563 [NW3050E]

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32 OF 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 October 2013

Mr A P van der Westhuizen (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What total amount has (a) her department and (b) each of the entities reporting to her spent on promotional events organised by The New Age newspaper during the period 1 September 2012 to
30 August 2013?

2563. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

a) The Department of Environmental Affairs has not spent on promotional events organised by The New Age newspaper during the period 1 September 2012 to 30 August 2013.

b) Entities

South African National Parks has not spent or done any promotional event with The New Age during the stipulated period.

The South African Weather Service has not spent on promotional events organised by The New Age newspaper during the period 1 September 2012 to 30 August 2013.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute has not spent on promotional events organised by The New Age newspaper during the period 1 September 2012 to 30 August 2013.10.21.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Parks Authority has not spent on promotional events organised by The New Age newspaper during the period 1 September 2012 to 30 August 2013

Reply received: November 2013

QUESTION NO. 2545 {NW3033E}

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32 OF 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 October 2013

Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

With regard to the project called the "Small Scale Fish Factory 1 Motherwell DEAT 1/1277", dated 8 May 2006, (Swartkops River bait outlets) in Nelson Mandela Municipality,

(1) what (a) is the (i) purpose of the project, (ii) cost to date, (iii) long term projected budget and (iv) current status of the project and

(b) plans does her department have in place to help the relevant community to manage the project sustainably;

(2) whether a mentorship programme has been established; if not, why not;

(3) (a) (i) how many of these projects were launched, and which (ii) of these projects have been successful; (iii) projects were unsuccessful and (iv) what were the reasons for their failure;

(4) (a) how many persons (i) have benefitted from this project and (ii) are still receiving an income from this project and (b) what are their details;

(5) whether any other departments (a) were involved and (b) are still involved in (i) this project and (ii) similar projects in the area; if not, why not; if so, what are their responsibilities?

2545. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

1. (a) (i) The purpose was to establish a small scale bait/fish factory situated North of Port Elizabeth on the Swartkops River Estuary.

(ii) R2 984 000.00

(iii) None

(iv) The project was completed

(b) No, the project was handed over to the Owning Entity which is Swartkops Estuary Subsistence Fishers Trust.

2. The Feasibility Study was done with cost analysis benefit projections reflected, Swartkops Estuary Subsistence Fishers Trust was involved in this process.

3. (a) Two

(b) (i) Two

(ii) Two successful at hand-over

(ii) None

4. (a) (i) 43 people benefitted

(ii) None

(b) None

5. (a) None. It was only the Department of Environment and Tourism (DEAT) at the time of project implementation.

(b) None

(i) None

(ii) There are currently no projects of this nature that are implemented by the

Department as that function was since transferred to Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO. 2474 NW2963E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31 OF 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 September 2013

Mrs C N Z Zikalala (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether her department has considered the health and environmental risks which may be caused by the dumping of coal in the sea in Richards Bay; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether these health risks were communicated to the persons in the area near the sea; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details

2474. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES

(1) Yes. The Department of Environmental Affairs, working in collaboration with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, has assessed scientific information available on the effects of coal in the marine environment. The coal is considered to be inert and non-toxic to human life and the environment. However, some possible risks associated with it may include the reduction in the levels of visibility in the water column, smothering of some benthic marine life on the sea floor and the reduction of aesthetic appeal of beaches where coal fragments may wash ashore. A monitoring programme has been established to assess the movement and settling of the coal on the sea floor and to monitor any adverse impacts associated with coastal water quality.

(2) Yes, these health risks were communicated to the uMhlatuze Municipality who is responsible for communicating any possible risks associated with bathing at Alkantstrand Beach in Richards Bay. Advisories have been issued indicating that no swimming and fishing will be allowed in the area due to the salvage operations of the MV Smart unless stated otherwise by the municipality and provincial authority.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO. 2451 (NW2936E)

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 September 2013

Mr F A Rodgers (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

When will the Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Mozambique on Cooperation in the Field of Biodiversity and Conservation Management (a) be signed by both countries and (b) come into force?

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a) The MoU will be signed once Mozambique has indicated their readiness, which is planned for around November 2013.

(b) Once the MoU has been signed, date of implementation will be agreed on.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO 2450

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 SEPTEMBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31)

2450. Mr F A Rodgers (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) What (a) was the purpose of the recent Municipal Water Quality Conference held at Sun City in July 2013 and (b) was the total cost of this conference to her department;

(2) was the Green Drop status report released at the conference; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will it be released? NW2935E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) The purpose of the conference was to come up with ways in which sector partners can meaningfully contribute to our programmes and strategies of improving the quality of water so that we sustainably make water fit for use for both basic human need and economic development. The Conference provided a platform for knowledge and lesson sharing and partnership opportunities between the public and private sectors to upscale efforts to improve waste water services and drinking water management in South Africa.

(1)(b) The total cost of the conference to the Department was R3 million.

(2)(a) No. The report was not ready for release as it had not run the full verification and approval processes including, submission to Cabinet.

(2)(b) It is envisaged to be released by end of November.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO 2428

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 SEPTEMBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31)

2428. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) What percentage of dams are eutrophic and (b) what management studies are currently being done by her department to prevent eutrophication of dams;

(2) what is her department's estimates with regard to the eutrophication of dams in the future;

(3) whether there is a lack of researchers on the eutrophication of dams; if so, what is being done to ensure the correct number of researchers? NW2913E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) 5% of the dams are eutrophic.

(1)(b) The Water Research Commission has funded a number of eutrophication management studies – which was initiated based on the outcomes of the National Eutrophication Monitoring Programme (NEMP). The Department was involved on a technical and supporting basis in these projects. The most recent amongst others are:

· Biomanipulation Project: to determine the potential impact of fish-harvesting on improving eutrophication conditions.

(2) The NEMP indicates that the current trend can result in an increase to 15% of dams with eutrophication.

The Department is currently busy with remedial activities on some of the dams that a currently in eutrophic states e.g. Hartbeespoort Dam Integrated Biological Remediation Programme (Harties Metsi a me). Further, the Department is strengthening the regulatory function to prevent discharges that do not meet the required limits with the objective of minimizing conditions that are conducive to eutrophication.

(3) The number of limnologists or water quality scientists etc available for recruitment in general (including eutrophication researchers) remains low. The Department has a very successful Learning Academy, in which science and engineering graduates are provided with on the job training and awarded bursaries for further studies.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO. 2379 NW2858E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31 OF 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 September 2013

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

Whether the SA National Parks (SANParks) have any plans in place to enlarge the Mapungubwe National Park to protect it against further coal mining on its borders; if not, why not; if so, what plans?

2379. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

No. The park has an existing buffer zone and a management plan. However, the Department of Environmental Affairs commissioned an Environmental Management Framework that will indicate where the sensitive areas are for purposes of accommodating different land uses outside the National Park and World Heritage Site.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO. 2378 NW2857E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31 OF 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 September 2013

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

(1) When will the Skukuza Airport become operational;

(2) Whether any domestic airlines have been awarded slots to fly there; if not, why not; if so, (a) which airlines and (b) from which cities will they fly?

2378. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(1) 2 June 2014.

(2) Yes.

(a) SA Airlink

(b) The proposed flight schedule includes one daily return flight from Cape Town and three daily return flights from Johannesburg.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO 2356

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 SEPTEMBER 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 30)

2356. Ms B D Ferguson (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether, with reference to the findings of the General Household Survey, July 2011, she has taken any action regarding the residents of (a) the Eastern Cape, (b) KwaZulu-Natal and (c) Mpumalanga who have consistently not been satisfied with the quality of their water; if not, why not; if so, what action? NW2848E

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REPLY:

(1) Yes, there is action taken in response to the findings of the General Household Survey of 2011 regarding the complaints of residents of the three Provinces about the quality of water. The actions in the respective Provinces are as follows:

(a) Blue Drop Program and Blue Water Audits

The Department of Water Affairs (DWA) in the Eastern Cape Region ensures that all the Eastern Cape Municipalities that are Water Services Authorities (WSA's) participate in the Blue Drop System (BDS), the Annual Blue Water Service Audit and Regulatory Performance Measurement System (RPMS) to ensure progressive improvement in quality of water services. The Blue Drop Programme, which is an incentive-based regulatory programme, requires regular monitoring of each water distribution system, comparison of results against South African National Standards and monthly capturing of drinking water quality results on the BDS. This allows DWA to monitor the quality of Water Services across the Eastern Cape Province and allows corrective actions to be taken as soon as any non–compliance or poor performance is found. The Municipalities that are battling are supported by DWA through various programmes such as Rapid Response Unit, Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant (MWIG), Operations & Maintenance Business Plans. Below are the details of these programmes:

Develop Operation and Maintenance Business Plan

The DWA in the Eastern Cape Region realises that the WSA's normally do not plan the operation and maintenance of their water infrastructure but perform it on an adhoc basis. This leads to infrastructure dilapidating and bad water quality. The DWA developed guidelines for the development of Operation and Maintenance Business Plans during August 2010. The guidelines were circulated to all WSA's in the Eastern Cape Province and offered support to develop them. The WSA's are now aware of the importance of developing Operation and Maintenance Business Plans.

Establishment of Rapid Response Unit

The Rapid Response Unit was established during July 2011 so as the DWA could offer a more hands-on assistance to the Local Government. This unit enables the DWA to respond to crises and disasters and to implement proactive interventions aimed at pre-empting crises before they occur. The DWA targeted all WSA's with low Blue and Green Drop scores for pro-active interventions.

(b) In KwaZulu-Natal, the proportion of householders complaining about the safety of water has improved from 12,9% in 2005 to 7,7% in 2011.

This improvement is also reflected in the performance of the KwaZulu-Natal Water Services Authorities in the Blue Drop incentive-based regulatory programme in 2009. Provincial Blue Drop scores have shown a steady improvement with every assessment with provincial average scores improving from 73% in 2009, 80.49% in 2011 and 92.1% in 2012.

Community complaints regarding the quality of drinking water have been received from the Empembeni community in the Hlabisa Local Municipality (LM), and Weston in the Mpofana LM. The DWA has intervened in these areas and appropriate treatment systems were commissioned in 2012.

(c) In Mpumalanga Province, the Mpumalanga Regional Office's Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement Sub-directorate is monitoring the final water from the Water Treatment Works up to the furthest point of use. Monitoring is conducted on a monthly basis.

When the results of samples taken do not comply with the SANS 241, a non-compliance notice is issued to the municipality indicating that the water supplied to the community does not meet the required standard. The municipality is also requested to submit an action plan with time frames indicating how they are going to ensure that they supply good quality drinking water to the community.

DWA has developed a website whereby people can log on and check the quality of water in their respective areas.

The Mpumalanga Regional Office is also monitoring the Water Services Authorities in terms of the submission of drinking water quality results in the blue drop system, which feeds the information to the mywater website.

Provincial Blue Drop scores improved from 51% in 2009 to 60.9% in 2012. It is also noted that in 2010 compliance was at 65.42%, which is considered to have been the best score in compliance, however, over the past two years additional criterion/variables were added which may be the reason why the blue drop compliance scores seems to have declined when comparing them to those of 2011 and 2012. The new criteria that was introduced in the past two years includes, but is not limited to water safety planning, Water Conservation and Water Demand Management.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO. 2316 NW2764E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 30 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 September 2013

Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

With reference to her replies to question 1714 on 20 August 2013, (a) why are there limited resources to fund positions in the SA Weather Service, (b) what is being done to ensure that resources are found, (c) when are these resources expected to be found, (d) for which specific positions is there a lack of funding and (e) why are positions created for which there is not adequate funding?

2316. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

a) The limited resources were, in part, as a result of the reduction in the grant in the previous financial year by R16 million and the liquidation of airlines in the aviation industry.

b) SAWS is currently working at resourcing the positions by engaging the National Treasury.

c) The resources are expected to be made available in the coming years as and when generated or are available.

d) Some support function positions, including forecasting, Scientists and Research positions, the prime reason why these positions lacked funding, in the main, is as a result of the Human Resource requirements from various departments within the SAWS. However, looking at the limited resources available and in the face of economic downturn generally affecting us in the commercial sector and specifically aviation industry, it meant Management had to exercise financial prudence, as a balancing act, to ensure that appointments are spread through the coming years and made in a phased approach depending on the resources available.

e) The positions are organic requirement for operations in this discipline (National Metrological Service) and hence their creation is mandatory.

Reply received: October 2013

QUESTION NO. 2311 NW2759E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 30 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 13 September 2013

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

(1) Since the purchase of the Agulhas II, what (a) missions has it embarked upon, (b) were the dates of the respective missions and (c) was the (i) cost and (ii) result of each mission;

(2) Since the purchase of the Agulhas II, (a) when has it undergone unscheduled repairs and (b) what (i) was the cost of the repairs, (ii) were the dates of the repairs and (iii) was the nature of the repairs;

(3) What (a) missions is the Agulhas II scheduled to undertake in future, (b) are the dates of these missions and (c) are the (i) estimated costs and (ii) predicted benefits of each mission;

(4) Whether any injuries have occurred in the operation of the Agulhas II; if so, (a) when did they occur and (b) what is the nature of the injury?

2311. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(1) (a) Missions embarked on

Crew Training

Scientific winter cruise

Gough annual relief and research voyage

Antarctic annual relief and research voyage

Medical evacuation from Marine Island

Marion Island relief and research voyage

Bottom sediment sampler commissioning voyage

(b) Dates of respective missions

14/06/2012 – 19/06/2012

09/07/2012 – 06/08/2012

06/09/2012 – 11/10/2012

06/12/2012 – 19/02/2013

13/03/2013 – 21/03/2013

10/04/2013 – 16/05/2013

28/05/2013 – 31/05/2013

R1 873 000.00

R10 862 000.00

R18 467 000.00

R39 382 000.00

R3 371 000.00

R19 161 000.00

R1 498 000.00

Crew Training: crew fully trained to operate the ship

Scientific cruise: collected significant winter data set to contrast summer measurements.

Gough annual relief and research voyage: expedition team relieved and annual supplies provided and research carried out.

Antarctic annual relief and research voyage: expedition team relieved and annual supplies provided and research carried out; and a suite of scientific measurements to enhance long-term time series undertaken.

Medical evacuation from Marion Island: patient successfully evacuated to South Africa.

Marion island relief and research voyage: expedition team relieved and annual supplies provided and research carried out.

Bottom Sediment sampler commissioning voyage: crew and relevant scientists trained to operate the bottom sediment sampler.

(2) (a) None

(b) (i) Not applicable

(ii) Not applicable

(iii) Not applicable

(3) (a) Three annual relief voyages to Marion, Gough Island and to Antarctica and one dedicated research voyage planned.

(b) Marion Island – April/May

(i) Estimated costs: R21 077 000.00

(ii) Expedition team to be relieved and annual supplies provided and research carried out.

Gough Island – September/October

(i) Estimated costs: R20 313 000.00

(ii) Expedition team to be relieved and annual supplies provided and research carried out.

Antarctica – December/January/February

(i) Estimated costs: R43 320 000.00

(ii) Expedition team to be relieved and annual supplies provided and research carried out. A suite of scientific measurements to be undertaken to enhance long term time series.

Research cruise – mid-winter

(i) Estimated costs: R11 948 000.00

(ii) Collect significant winter data to supplement 2012 winter measurements.

(4) No

(a) Not applicable

(b) Not applicable

Reply received: September 2013

QUESTION NO. 2271 NW2703E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 August 2013

Ms B D Ferguson (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether, with reference to the fight against rhino poaching, she intends following suit and put a moratorium on permit applications from Vietnam regarding the hunting of rhinoceros in the country; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

2271. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

No! In terms of Section 57(2) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004), the carrying out of any activity, which is of a nature that may negatively impact on the survival of a listed threatened or protected species, may be prohibited. The legal hunting of rhino is not considered to be an activity which is of a nature that may negatively impact on the survival of the species.

In terms of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the South African population of white rhinoceros is listed in Appendix II with the following Annotation: For the exclusive purpose of allowing international trade in live animals to appropriate and acceptable destinations and hunting trophies. In terms of CITES, a hunting trophy must be legally obtained by the hunter through hunting for the hunter's personal use; and must be imported, exported or re-exported by or on behalf of the hunter, as part of the transfer from its country of origin, ultimately to the hunter's state of usual residence. The National Wildlife Crime Reaction Unit (NWCRU) supervised a white rhinoceros hunt conducted by Vietnamese citizens at the end of 2011. A report was submitted by the NWCRU, and this raised concerns relating to a number of issues, including the fact that previously dehorned rhinoceroses were hunted. To ensure continued compliance with CITES, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was requested, in February 2012, to confirm that white rhinoceros hunting trophies, exported from South Africa, were still in the possession of the hunters.

At the same time, the Department also advised provincial conservation authorities to scrutinise very carefully all applications for white rhinoceros hunting by foreign hunters whose state of usual residence is Vietnam, until the Socialist Republic of Vietnam confirms that white rhinoceros hunting trophies, exported from South Africa, are still in the possession of the hunters. Since then, we saw a significant decline of such applications from Vietnamese nationals.

Reply received: August 2013

QUESTION NO 2269

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 AUGUST 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28)

2269. Mr B M Bhanga (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether she has been informed that Rhodes University in Grahamstown is shutting down as a result of operating without water for days; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) steps has her department taken to remedy the situation and (b) are the further relevant details? NW2701E

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REPLY:

Yes, I was informed of the water crisis in Rhodes University: Grahamstown and its intention to shut down due to operating without water for days.

(a) Steps taken by the Department of Water Affairs (Department) to remedy the situation can be summarised as follows:

(a)(i) The Department assigned Amatola Water Board, which is currently appointed as its Rapid Response Unit (RRU), to support Makana Local Municipality (LM). The relevant experts have been dispatched 14 August to Grahamstown to stabilise the city's water supply systems. On 18 August 2013, the team conducted a sight inspection to ensure the pumps are operational.

(a)(ii) The Department has set up an Inter-Governmental High level meeting between the Makana LM, the Department of Provincial Local Government & Traditional Affairs (DPLG&TA), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Rhodes University on 15 August 2013 and agreed on an Action Plan for urgent, short-, medium- & long-term solutions.

(a)(iii) The Department supports the Makana LM through its Accelerated Community Infrastructure Program (ACIP) on Water Conservation and Water Demand Management (WC/WDM) as high water losses and lack of metering are seriously compromising sustainable water supply, particularly when water systems are stretched to the limit.

(a)(iv) Facilitated information sharing amongst key stakeholders on a day-to-day operations.

(b) Further details are as follows;

(b)(i) Grahamstown has two water schemes connected by a ring whereby the majority of the city can be served by either of the schemes. Both schemes require substantial pumping over the watershed on each side of the city. The two schemes are:

· Waainek Water Treatment Works (WTW), which receives water from Howisenspoort and Settlers Dams and serves the Western half of Grahamstown, including the Industrial sites and the Rhodes University; and

· James Kleynhans WTW, receiving water from Glen Melville Dam in the Great Fish River catchment, which serves the Eastern half of Grahamstown and most of the townships.

-2-

(b)(ii) The Howisenspoort Pump Station (PS) has had breakages with its pumps, coupled with electrical connectivity problems from time to time. These are attributed to the ageing infrastructure. Further delays in restoring water supplies are largely because service providers are based in Gauteng.

(b)(iii) The Makana LM has ensured that water from the second scheme, i.e. James Kleynhans Scheme, was shared over the majority of the city by opening the ring mains during day and closing them at night. However, high water demand exceeded supply from only one plant, and reservoir levels on both schemes declined, affecting the higher lying communities on both sides of city.

(b)(iv) The Rhodes University Residences were amongst the high-lying areas of Grahamstown's worst affected by the water disruptions. In this regard, road tankers were employed to ensure that these areas were supplied with emergency water. In addition, a dedicated road tanker was assigned to Rhodes University once the magnitude of the situation was realised, thereby delivering water to the header tanks of each affected residence.

(b)(v) The RRU and the Makana LM technical teams are closely monitoring the situation. The water treatment works are fully operational, therefore the pumping and filling of reservoirs is under way. However, the water services remain extremely vulnerable as Howisenspoort pump station has an ageing electrical power supply line that is prone to failing in bad weather, with no stand-by motor, until repairs are completed.

(b)(vi) The Makana LM is procuring the services of the Amatola Water Board (AW) to assist with day-to-day provision of water services and is currently finalising a Service Level Agreement with the water board. This is strongly supported by the Department as the Makana LM is struggling to perform both Water Services Authority (WSA) & Water Service Provider (WSP) functions. It is envisaged the process will be finalised be end of August 2013.

(b)(vii) Furthermore, the Makana LM and the Cacadu District Municipality (DM) are procuring new pumps to replace the existing ones. On the other hand, the RRU is assessing and costing the current electrical and major leakages for immediate upgrade and repairs.

(b)(viii) Poor communication with consumers and the lack of a customer care hotline has aggravated the situation. The Makana LM has undertaken to use all communication means to inform and request consumers to use water sparingly and impose restrictions immediately if there is any risk of failure in any water delivery system.

(b)(ix) The Makana LM has commenced with work that is aimed at increasing existing capacity. The intention is to ultimately increase the capacity of the James Kleynhans WTW to meet the estimated 2040 demand. However, a phased approach has been adopted as follows:

· Phase 1(a) entails the Construction of an additional pumping main and 6.6Ml concrete storage reservoir. Construction work is underway and is to be completed by 30 November 2013 funded by MIG and DBSA.

· Phase 1(b) entails the Augmentation of the James Kleynhans Pump station. Detailed designs are complete and are due for tender soon funded by MIG and DBSA.

· Phase 2 (Future or long-term) entails the augmentation of the James Kleynhans WTW. A feasibility study has commenced and is funded under the Department's Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and is due for completion at the end of September 2013. The estimated costs for Phase 2 is R66 million and planned to be completed 2016.

QUESTION NO. 2259 NW2688E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 August 2013

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

Whether SA National Parks sold any (a) white and (b) black rhinos since 1 January 2011; if so, in each case, (i) how many, (ii) to whom, (iii) for what purpose and (iv) for what price?

2259. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

SANParks cautions that, because of the dire poaching threat, the identity and locations of persons who have acquired rhinos from SANParks are strictly confidential, and should on no account be released into the public domain.

Since 1 January 2011 SANParks has sold 170 white rhinos from the Kruger National Park, but no black rhinos. The purpose of these sales was two-fold: (1) to generate income for SANParks in accordance with the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Amendment Act (2004) and (2) to improve the conservation status of white rhinos in South Africa by establishing populations on private ranches. Because of its long international boundary, the Kruger National Park is bearing the brunt of poaching; hence it is appropriate to strengthen populations elsewhere in the country.

QUESTION NO. 2259 NW2688E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 August 2013

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

Whether SA National Parks sold any (a) white and (b) black rhinos since 1 January 2011; if so, in each case, (i) how many, (ii) to whom, (iii) for what purpose and (iv) for what price?

2259. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

Reply received: September 2013

QUESTION NO. 2258 NW2687E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 28 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 23 August 2013

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

Whether SA National Parks donated any (a) white and (b) black rhinos to other institutions since
1 January 2011; if so, in each case, (i) how many, (ii) to whom, and (iii) for what purpose?

2258. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

In 2011 two sub adult white rhino (1 male, 1 female) from Kruger National Park were donated to the SA Wildlife College. The College auctioned these animals to augment their training budget, specifically to train Kruger National Park Rangers and Guides.

In 2012 SANParks exchanged 22 white rhinos from Kruger National Park for 7 black rhinos. The black rhinos are of high conservation value, being of the western subspecies, and were introduced into Addo Elephant National Park.

Reply received: September 2013

QUESTION NO. 2120 NW2542E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 August 2013

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

(1) Whether any staff member in her departments (a) performed work in addition to the responsibilities related to his or her work, outside normal working hours, in the (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10, (iii) 2010-11, (iv) 2011-12 and (v) 2012-13 financial years and (b) has been performing such work during the period 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, how is it determined whether such work is being performed or not; if so, in each case, (aa) how many staff members and (bb) in what job or work categories are the specified staff members employed;

(2) whether approval for such work was obtained in each case; if not, what are the relevant details; if so, (a) what is the policy of her departments in this regard, (b) by whom are such applications considered and approved, (c) how many contraventions of this policy were brought to the attention of her departments in the (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13 financial years and (d) what steps have been taken against transgressors?

2120. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(1) (a) As a result of the work we do continuously, we could determine and record that there are employees who work outside normal hours.

(b) As a result of the work we do continuously, we could determine and record that there are employees who work outside normal hours.

(aa) 19 staff members.

(bb) 2 Finance and related clerks,2 Human Resource and related clerks,9 Administrative related,4 Engineering sciences related, 1 Nature conservation and 1 Oceanographical

(2) Yes.

(a) Section 30 of the Public Service Act, of 1994 as amended

(b) As per the departmental delegations, level 1 to 13 is approved by the relevant Deputy Director General and 14 to 15 to be approved by theDirector General.

(c)

(i) 2010-11 =0

(ii) 2011-12 = 5

(iii) 2012-13 = 7

Three names were repeated in the 2012-13 financial year

(d) An investigation was done and the findings are

(i) 1 Staff member indicated that sheis not part of the company anymore.

(ii) 3 staff members have stated that the companies are no longer operating.

(iii) 1 staff member indicated that she is a dormant member of the company.

(iv) 3 produced the forms, one approved and two deemed to have been approved.

(v) 1 form was lost in the process.

Reply received: August 2013

QUESTION NO. 2087 NW2509E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 August 2013

Mr M W Rabotapi (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) Do her departments prepare quarterly interim financial statements and (b) are these statements considered by the Audit Committee?

2087. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a) Yes; and

(b) Yes, quarterly (2^nd quarter's interim financial statements are audited by Internal Audit and the report submitted for consideration by the Audit Committee).

QUESTION NO 2087

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 AUGUST 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27)

2087. Mr M W Rabotapi (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) Do her departments prepare quarterly interim financial statements and (b) are these statements considered by the Audit Committee? NW2509E

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REPLY:

(a) The Department prepares the quarterly Interim Financial Statements.

(b) The quarterly Interim Financial Statements are not considered by the Audit Committee, only the annual financial statements are presented to the Audit Committee for consideration.

Reply received: September 2013

QUESTION NO 2063

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 AUGUST 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27)

2063. Ms M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) What is the outstanding debt owed by municipalities to each water board (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12 and (dd) 2012-13 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2013 and (b) what action is being taken against defaulters? NW2485E

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REPLY:

Below is a summary of the total outstanding debt to each water board. Refer to Annexure A for the outstanding debt owed by municipalities to each water board.

Water Board	(a)(i)(aa) 2009 - 2010	(a)(i)(bb) 2010 - 2011	(a)(i)(cc) 2011 - 2012	(a)(i)(dd) 2012 - 2013	(a)(ii) since 1 April 2013
Amatola Water	-	R5,624,967	-	R93,642,220	R99,267,187
Bloem Water	R79,455,185	R63,079,982	R85,554,285	R58,416,828	R16,249,642
Botshelo Water	R38,473,110	R22,872,613	R63,997,529	R59,205,196	R199,022,008
Bushbuckridge Water	R205,790,902	R247,876,845	R281,313,469	R315,223,194	R315,223,194
Lepelle Northern Water	R192,685	R34,741	R5,077	R43,207	R275,649
Magalies Water	R26,905,244	R33,285,459	R41,733,581	R44,326,042	R36,282,867
Mhlathuze Water	R11,255,490	R8,225,218	R7,728,751	R9,034,286	R7,498,518
Overberg Water	R841,523	R758,608	R793,831	R869,645	-
Pelladrift Water	R309,136	R343,123	R652,800	R844,794	-
Rand Water	R14,605,935	R27,563,087	R6,317,598	R773,884	R14,282,918
Sedibeng water	R252,173,462	R418,583,438	R637,290,393	R792,876,920	R792,876,920
Umgeni Water	R176,607,326	R151,477,162	R152,403,060	R198,357,332	R210,737,248

Reply received: August 2013

QUESTION NO. 2061 NW2483E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 27 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 August 2013

Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

For what period this year has the new SA Agulhas II been berthed?

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

The number of days SA Agulhas II was berthed at East Pier this year (08 January to 16 August 2013) is 137 days.

Reply received: August 2013

QUESTION NO. 2012 NW2370E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 08 August 2013

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

(a) How much will be spent on the upgrading of facilities in the camps in the Kruger National Park and (b) which camps will be upgraded?

2012. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a) R286 156 365.12

(b) As per list below

Project Description

Bateleur Guest Cottage conversion

Nxanatseni Energy Efficiency upgrade (All camps)

Nxanatseni Upgrade Hybrid systems (Sirheni & Shimuwinini)

Nxanatseni renovation of restaurants & kitchens (All camps)

Letaba tourism units renovations

Letaba bulk services upgrade

Mopani tourism units renovations

Olifants rest camp upgrade completion

Olifants bulk services upgrade

Punda Maria tourism units renovations

Shingwedzi Tourism Upgrade

Convert Dipcamp into Spa

Marula – Energy Efficiency upgrade (All camps)

Lower Sabie tents & campsite upgrade

Lower Sabie tourism units upgrade Ph2

Pretoriuskop tourism units upgrade

Satara Guest Linen room conversion to guest cottage

Satara tourism units upgrade

Skukusa tourism units upgrade

Skukuza bulk services upgrade

Marula – renovation of restaurants & kitchens (All camps)

Letaba Mopani rustic camp site

Upgrade Theba to tourism camp

New rustic tented camp

Pafuri rustic campsite

Skukuza Conference Lodge

Skukuza Conference Lodge Support Services

Satara Budget tents

Nwaswitsontso River rustic campsite

Reply received: August 2013

QUESTION NO.1959 NW2311E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 24 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 02 August 2013

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

How many elephants were poached in the Kruger National Park in the 2012-2013 financial year?

1959. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

One suspected incident Pafuri, KNP – 1 adult elephant carcass approximately 2 months old found on the Pafuri Section by Rangers on the 28 April, 2013.

Reply received: August 2013

QUESTION NO 1900

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 02 AUGUST 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 24)

1900. Mr M W Rabotapi (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What was the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year, (d) purpose, (e) date and/or dates, (f) financial cost and (g) sum total of kilometres driven in respect of each vehicle hired for use by (i) her and (ii) the Deputy Minister since 1 January 2012? NW2249E

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REPLY:

The policy provides that Members at a national level may be provided with one vehicle for use in Cape Town and one vehicle for use in Pretoria. It further provides for Use of Incidental Vehicles for official purposes away from respected seats of office.

Members are allowed to make use of incidental or rented vehicles when on official duty. The rented vehicles should be vehicles befitting for Ministerial use and in these instances the vehicles hired have been various makes and models.

In such cases the cost of incidental / rented vehicles for official use is carried by relevant department.

Hired cars are used on official duty for direct interaction with communities and stakeholders outside Gauteng and Cape Town as a critical part of the Public Participation programmes of Ministers. These enable Ministers to fulfil their duties and meet their ever demanding schedules.

The department has therefore at various intervals, hired a certain amount of cars for Deputy Minister and for my use during the period under review.

The cost thereof and other details shall accordingly be reflected on the Department's annual financial statements.

Reply received: August 2013

QUESTION NO. 1815 NW2163E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 July 2013

Mr F A Rodgers (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) How many consultants has her departments (a) contracted and (b) appointed (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12 and (dd) 2012-13 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2013;

(2) how many consultants (a) contracted and (b) appointed by her departments (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12 and (dd) 2012-13 and (ii) since 1 April 2013 are (aaa) former officials of her departments and (bbb) former public servants?

1815. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(1)

(a), (b) The number of consultants contracted is the same as the number of consultants appointed in each financial year.

(i)

(aa) 74

(bb) 117

(cc) 290

(dd) 338

(ii) 116

(2)

(a) & (b)

(i)

(aa) 2

(bb) 3

(cc) 1

(dd) 2

(ii) 3

(aaa) The number of former officials of the department contracted is the same as the number of consultants appointed in each financial year indicated above.

(bbb) The Department does not have the system to verify whether consultants are and/or were former public servants. We have not found it necessary because once people are no longer employees of the Department, there is currently no law that prohibits them to be appointed as consultants nor to participate in any economic activity as South African National/s. What is important though is to ensure that there is no law broken and no possible corruption involved.

Reply received: August 2013

QUESTION NO.1782.NW2129E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION:26 July 2013

Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What (a) buildings under the administration of (i) her departments and (ii) entities reporting to her are national key points and (b)criteria were used to classify them as such?

1782 THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a) As the honourable Member would be aware, the National Key Points administration is under the Minister of Police. The Minister of Police has already informed Parliament in a previous answer to Parliament that he has established a Task Team to audit all Key Points and that he will report to Parliament once this process is finalised.

(b) Not applicable

Reply received: August 2013

QUESTION NO 1723

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 JULY 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23)

1723. Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What criteria will be used to prioritise projects undertaken by Water Boards as a result of the introduction of the Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant? NW2070E

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REPLY:

The criteria to be used for the selection of projects for the Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant are as follows:

· Projects must be within the 23 +1 priority District Municipalities identified for priority interventions by the South African Government;

· Projects must be targeting households that currently do not have water supply and no other existing planned project will be providing water to such households before
July 2016;

· The targeted projects must provide households with an interim, intermediate water supply or basic water supply, but not a greater level of service; and

· Projects will be prioritised also according to whether they use appropriate technology and also whether the cost per household is within certain parameters. Cost parameters will vary from Province to Province and according to different situations. The costs criteria are not meant to exclude projects, but to reduce the type of service and technology provided. Cost criteria has been introduced to prevent very expensive projects, minimise the opportunity of 'some for all', which is the main theme of the Grant.

The criteria, whether a project will be implemented using an Implementing Agent such as a Water Board, will depend on the capacity of the benefiting Water Services Authority (WSA). The criteria that the Department of Water Affairs will use to determine whether a WSA has adequate capacity to implement the projects to be funded through the Grant are as follows:

· Expenditure trend by the WSA of other Grants such as Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and the Water Services Operation Subsidy Grant (WSOS);

· Blue drop score by the WSA;

· Audited outcomes; and

· Project Management capacity by the WSA.

Reply received: August 2013

QUESTION NO 1715

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 JULY 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23)

1715. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 872 on 27 May 2013, what was the outcome of the disciplinary hearing of a certain person (name furnished);

(2) why did she not sign a grievance form that a certain person (name also furnished) submitted to her? NW2062E

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REPLY:

(1) I would like to refer the Honourable Member my response to question 872 on 27 May 2013 (2) on the outcome of the disciplinary hearing of a certain person (name furnished).

(2) The grievance received from the certain person (whose name was also furnished) was submitted to my office while I was out of office on official business. The said person did not wait for my sign off upon my return. This grievance was also submitted when the disciplinary process against that person had commenced. Subsequently the matter was submitted to the Public Service Commission (PSC) irregularly and unprocedurally.

I have comprehensively dealt with the matter with extensive correspondence directly with the chairperson of the PSC, Mr B Mthembu.

The disciplinary hearing of a certain person (name furnished) is still in the process. So far there has been three (3) sittings with the next date set for 3 September 2013. It should borne in mind that processes regarding details of the disciplinary matters must at all times be handled within the legal prescript and are therefore not reported in Parliament while disciplinary processes are on. Once the matter has been concluded, it will form part of the annual report to Parliament.

Reply received: August 2013

QUESTION NO 1714

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 JULY 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23)

1714. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) How many positions are currently vacant in (i) her departments and (ii) each entity reporting to her and (b) how long has each specified position been vacant? NW2061E

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REPLY:

(a)(i) The Department has a total of 919 (12,6%) vacant positions, with an establishment of 7264. Of the 919 vacant positions, 462 (6%) were advertised and they are in the process of being filled. It must also be noted that the Department is in the process of restructuring, where consultations with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) are at an advanced stage. The restructuring process will have a significant impact on the current vacancy rate, where some of the posts will be abolished or reassigned.

(a)(ii) Entities have a total of 577 vacant positions, of which the majority are at lower and middle levels. The Department is in the process of institutional realignment of all entities, which will have an impact on the composition and allocation of human resources.

This should be understood in the context that the Department is undertaking restructuring of all the entities.

(b) Out of the 919 vacant posts, 374 (5% of the establishment) have been vacant since 01 January 2013 due to resignations, 522 were vacant since 01 January 2012, and 23 have been vacant as from 01 January 2011. Of the vacant posts, 217 fall within the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD), where the department is experiencing challenges with regard to recruitment. The Department has since prioritised the filling of technical posts, which are the bulk of the 462 that are in the process of being filled.

For entities out of the 577 vacant positions, 237 have been vacant for 6 months, 252 have been vacant for a year and 88 for over 2 years and above.

Reply received: August 2013

QUESTION NO. 1714 NW2061E

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 July 2013

Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) How many positions are currently vacant in (i) her departments and (ii) each entity reporting to her and (b) how long has each specified position been vacant?

1714. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a) (i) The Department of Environmental Affairs undergone a substantial organisational review and reorganisation process during the 2012-2012 and 2012 – 2013 financial years resulting in an increase of the staff establishment from 1462 posts in the approved structure as on 1 April 2012 to 1898 posts in April 2013. On 1 August 2013, 443 posts were vacant of which 401 were only created on 1 April 2013.

(ii) Currently there are 29 vacant positions in The South African Weather Service (SAWS). SAWS has a staff establishment of 386

Currently there are 72 vacant positions in the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). SANBI has a staff establishment of 667.

Currently there are 7 vacant positions in the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park. Isimangaliso has a staff establishment of 45.

Currently there are 189 vacant positions in the South African National Parks (SANParks) of which 150 have been created in the current financial year. SANParks has a staff establishment of 3887

(b) Of the 443 vacant positions in the Department of Environmental Affairs, 42 (2.2% of the establishment) have been vacant since 01 April 2012; 2 of which have been vacated in January 2013 due to resignations; and 40 have not been filled in 2012 due to the finalisation of the structure and Job Evaluation processes. This should be understood in the context that the Department had to undertake the restructuring within its available resources, the 40 posts were not filled as they were not prioritised and may have been declared redundant in favour of new priorities. The remaining 401 vacant posts (21.2% of the establishment) did not exist prior to the restructuring process and have been vacant since 1 April 2013. Recruitment processes are well advanced for all prioritised posts.

South African Weather Services (SAWS) Of 29 positions, 13 positions (45%) have been vacant since May 2012. 16 positions (55%) have been vacant since April 2013. The positions vacant has been vacant for varied periods ranging from a 1month to 7 month. The reasons for the range from insufficient pool of skilled personnel from which to attract the necessary employees (scarcity of skilled personnel) and the unavailability or limited resources to finance the positions.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Of 667 positions, 52 positions (7.8.%) have been vacant since 01 April 2012 due to natural attrition and 20 positions (2.9%%) were newly created and have been vacant since 1 April 2013. SANBI is currently in the process of filling all critical posts that are vacant due to natural attrition and newly created ones.

iSimangaliso Wetlands Park The 7 positions vacant positions have been vacant for 15 months. All senior posts are filled. There are two vacant posts at middle management level. The remaining 5 posts are all junior posts. These posts were all approved by the Board in March 2013 and were created to improve the effectiveness of the organization. They have not been filled due to budgetary constraints and cost saving measures

South African National Parks (SANParks)

Vacant positions as the end of July 2013: 187 which equates to 4,8 %, 37 vacant positions of the above which equates to 0, 95%, these have been vacant for not more than 2 months, and they will be filled between September and October 2013. 128 which equates to 3, 3%: these are new positions which have been created in Kruger National Park, due to the insourcing of the security personnel. The process of filling these positions has commenced and it should be finalized by the end of October 2013. 22 newly approved positions in Kruger National Park which equates to 0, 6%, the process of filling these positions has commenced; it should be finalized by the end of October 2013.

Reply received: July 2013

QUESTION NO.1652 [NW1998E]

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.22 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 21 June 2013

Ms B D Ferguson (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a) No

(b) No

(c) Yes, two. Both rangers went through an internal disciplinary process, were found guilty and dismissed. Further, criminal charges were laid (PHALABORWA CAS 113/11/2012 and SKUKUZA CAS 15/12/2011). In both cases, the STATE could not find sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.

Reply received: June 2013

QUESTION NO. 1648 [NW1994E]

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 22 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 21 June 2013

Ms B D Ferguson (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1365 on 10 August 2011, she has commissioned a study on the pros and cons of legalising the trade in rhino horn; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs replies:

Yes, the Department has conducted a feasibility study to determine the viability of legalising the trade in rhino horn in South Africa. The study has not yet been handed over to me by the team that conducted it. Once I have considered this feasibility study and processed it through the relevant Cabinet structures and Cabinet, only then will we decide accordingly.

Reply received: June 2013

QUESTION NO. 1538 [NW1885E]

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 21 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 14 June 2013

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

(1) What is the total cost of the proposed new fence to be erected between the Kruger National Park and Mozambique;

(2) whether the proposed fence will be equipped with technological devices to detect poachers?

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(1) The total costs of the proposed fence between the Kruger National Park and Mozambique has not been finalised yet. Feasibility studies and plans currently underway will be considered jointly with Mozambique depending on where the fence gets erected.

(2) Yes. The final design of the fence will be informed by the outcome of the feasibility studies and planning.

Reply received: July 2013

QUESTION NO 1404
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 07 June 2013 (lNTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 20)
14041. Mr M W Rabotapi (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What amount did her departments spend on (a) promotional items and (b) cocktail receptions on the occasion of her 201 3 Budget Vote debates? NW1746E

REPLY:

The Question has been responded to by GClS and I quote:

"Government commends all departments for proactively organizing and implementing pre Budget Vote communications to key stakeholders including communities and members of the media. These included, media briefings, meeting with key stakeholders, cocktails and dinners, direct engagements with members of the public and exhibitions.

This information-sharing process enables government to articulate key programmes for the coming year and demonstrates government's commitment to serving the needs of South African public through concrete and measurable objectives.

The pre-Budget Vote engagements created an opportunity for interactions between government and stakeholders to communicate information which enables citizens to exercise their democratic right to hold government accountable. The engagements varied from department to department and some may have been accompanied by promotional material aimed at promoting the work and brand of government.

The amount spent by the departments will appear in the audited financial statements at the end of the financial year."

Reply received: June 2013

QUESTION NO 1393

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 07 June 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 20)

1393. Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) Who are the current service providers for each municipality, (b) how much water does each municipality use on average in each month, (c) how much water is each service provider allowed to supply, (d) when did each service provider apply for an increase in permitted volumes supplied in this year, (e) who granted each increase and (f) by what process was each increase allowed? NW1735E

---o0O0o---

REPLY:

(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f) We have no idea at all as we do not deal with such issues. The Department of Cooperative Governance might be in a better position to respond to this National Assembly Question.

Reply received: June 2013

QUESTION NO. 1368 [NW1702E]

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 19 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 31 May 2013

Dr G W Koornhof (ANC) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether there are currently any proclamated private nature reserves in each of the nine provinces; if so, in each case, (a) how many in each province, (b) what are their proclamated names, (c) what is the size in hectare and (d) over which properties were they proclamated?

Dr G W Koornhof (ANC)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

In terms of Schedule 4 of the Constitution, nature conservation – excluding national parks, national botanical gardens and marine resources – is a functional area of concurrent national and provincial legislative competence. Private nature reserves were proclaimed in terms of provincial legislation before 2004 when the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) came into force Since then they are declared by the MEC in terms of section 23 (3) of the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003).

The Department of Environmental Affairs currently has a database of 1 277 privately owned nature reserves declared as mentioned above.

(a) and (c): see the attached table

(b) and (d): As the provinces are responsible for the declaration of these areas, detailed information thereof should be obtained from the provinces.

Reply received: June 2013

QUESTION NO. 1361 [NW1692E]

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 19 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 31 May 2013

Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether the Environment Conservation Act, Act 73 of 1989 (ECA), and regulations arising from the Act were enforced to ensure that mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were being conducted over a continuous period; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many such EIAs were conducted in each year since 1989, (b) what were the outcomes of the mandatory EIAs and (c) where can any person access the results?

1361. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

The definition of a genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genome has been engineered in the laboratory in order to favour the expression of desired physiological traits or the production of desired biological products (source: Encyclopedia Britannica). The undertaking of/or genetic modification of any organism/s with the purpose of fundamentally changing the inherent characteristics of that organism constituted a listed activity in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (GN R1182 and GN R1183 of 5 September 1997) as promulgated under the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989). This listed activity came into effect on 5 January 1998 and was defined as:

Activity Item 6:

The genetic modification of any organisms with the purpose of fundamentally changing the inherent characteristics of that organism.

Furthermore, section 78 of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) provides additional context in that it indicates that EIA's would be required if the GMO's in question would impact on indigenous biological diversity on the basis of referrals by the GMO Council. .

Accordingly, a Record of Decision (RoD) has to be obtained from the relevant authority prior to undertaking such an activity. The relevant authority (that is the competent national or provincial authority) is identified in terms of Regulation 4(2) and 4(3) of GN R1183 of 5 September 1997.

According to departmental records, no applications were received, as such no RoD's were issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs in terms of GN R1183 of 5 September 1997 or the subsequent EIA Regulations.

(a) No EIA's were conducted in terms of the above legislation.

(b) There were no outcomes as there were no applications in this regard that triggered the relevant legislative provisions.

Reply received: June 2013

QUESTION NO. 1312 [NW1642E]

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 19 of 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 31 May 2013

Mr M W Rabotapi (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 (i) in the (aa) 2011-12 and (bb) 2012-13 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, in each instance, what is the (aaa)(aaaa) name and (bbbb) job title of each person to whom a credit card was issued, (bbb) credit limit, (ccc) outstanding amount as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (ddd) monthly expenses incurred for each month since receiving the credit card, (eee) reason for such a person being issued with a credit card and (fff) uses that such a credit card is intended for;

(2) Whether the credit limit of any specified credit card was exceeded at any time since it was issued; if so, (a) whose credit cards are over the limit and (b) what is the reason for the credit card exceeding the limit?

Mr M W Rabotapi (DA)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

PQ1312 [NW1642E]

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(1) No

(2) Not applicable

Reply received: July 2013

QUESTION NO 1295

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 31 May 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 19)

1295. Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) What are her plans for the original Nandoni water pipeline between Thohoyandou and Makhado;

(2) (a) what fruitless and wasteful expenditure has been recuperated from the Nandoni water pipeline project and (b) from whom;

(3) how much electricity is needed to operate the Nandoni water pipeline? NW1625E

---o0O0o---

REPLY:

(1) The pump stations, pipelines and reservoirs infrastructure between the Nandoni Water Treatment Works and the Valdezia Reservoir, which is two thirds on the way to Makhado, will be completed (and percentage complete) as indicated on the attached Figure 1. December 2013 is the date that the last infrastructure, viz. the Valdezia Pipeline will be complete.

The remaining section's infrastructure from the Valdezia to the Mowkop Reservoirs as indicated on the attached Figure 2 is the responsibility of the Vhembe District Municipality and its commencement and completion dates will be established by middle July 2013. However, funds have been set aside to commence with work in the 2013-2014 financial year.

(2) (a) To date no fruitless and wasteful expenditure has been recuperated for the Nandoni water pipeline project.

2(b) The Department sued the supplier for supplying inferior pipes. However, the Department is continuing with the litigation process already instituted against the two companies which is underway with exchange of pleadings. The fruitless expenditure was R115, 19 million on these pipeline contracts. National Treasury provided funds to replace the dysfunctional pipelines.

(3) 11.2 MVA of power was installed at a capital cost of R9.1 million.

Reply received: July 2013

QUESTION NO 1215
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 May 2013 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 17)
1215. Mr M W Rabotapi (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What amount has her departments spent on (a) catering and (b) entertainment in the (i) 2012-13 financial year and (ii) since 1 April 2013? NW1461E

REPLY:

1. (a) During the 2012-13 financial year, an amount of R9, 480, 750 was spent in respect of catering, and as from 1 April 2013 to date, an amount of R1, 303, 301 has been spent.

(b) During the 2012-13 financial year, the Department spent R188, 542, 14 in respect of entertainment and as from 1 April 2013 to date, an amount of R19, 707 has been

Reply received: June 2013

QUESTION NO. 1215

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 17 of 2013 NW1461E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 27 May 2013

Mr M W Rabotapi (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs

What amount has the Department spent on (a) catering and (b) entertainment in the (i) 2012-13 financial year and (ii) since 1 April 2013?

Mr M W Rabotapi (DA)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1215/NW1461E

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(a)

(i) R4 071 000

(ii) R134 000

(b)

(i) R232 000

(ii) R37 000

Reply received: July 2013

QUESTION NO 1186

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 May 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 17)

1186. Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) How many engineers were employed by the Department of Water Affairs in (i) 2000 and (ii) 2012 and (b) what was the age breakdown in each case;

(2) whether the Department of Water Affairs has a plan to overcome the lack of engineering skills; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1430E

---o0O0o---

REPLY:

(1) No reliable statistics on Engineers appointed in the department available before April 2008. Table 1 below reflects information as on April 2008.

(2)

Table 1: Engineers appointed in the Department of Water Affairs as in April 2008
JOB TITLE	20-24	25-29	30-34	35-39	40-44	45-49	50-54	55-59	60-64	65-69	Grand Total
ENGINEER		3	2								5
ENGINEER ASSISTANT	15	8	1								24
ENGINEER CHIEF			1	2	4	4	4	16	3	1	35
ENGINEER PRINCIPAL		3	2	2	1	1	1	1	1		12
ENGINEER SENIOR		2		4			2	1			9
ENGINEER DEPUTY CHIEF		2	5	3	5	7	6	10	5	2	45
Grand Total	15	18	11	11	10	12	13	28	9	3	130

Table 2 attached reflects the number of engineers as in December 2012.

(2) (a) Programme to address the lack of entry level engineering skills

The Learning Academy (LA) is a technical and scarce skills development programme which was initiated in 2007 as a response to the specific skills shortage challenge affecting both the Department and the general water sector. It represents an investment in sustaining quality in Department of Water Affairs' entry level human resources, thereby ensuring that in the long term, the Department of Water Affairs' (DWA) will remain competitive and be able to deliver on its mandate.

The Learning Academy is designed to meet specific organisational requirements, lead a sustained campaign to secure a steady supply of high-level skills in water-related science, engineering, and technical disciplines in order to meet projected demands within DWA and the water sector as a whole.

The Learning Academy responds to these imperatives mentioned by addressing the professional development aspects that will provide aspiring engineers, scientists and technicians the opportunity to be exposed to real-time professional experiences and valuable work experience.

Since 2007 a total of 270 external bursaries have been awarded in engineering disciplines. On successful completion of their studies, 139 joined the department as Graduate Trainees and/or Candidate Engineers and Engineering Technicians.

ENTRY LEVEL GRADUATE TRAINEES AND CANDIDATE ENGINEERS AND ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS
	NUMBER
CIVIL ENGINEERS	30
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS	2
MECHANICAL ENGINEERS	13
CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS	79
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS	5
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS	10

The Department still has 111 engineering bursars at various universities in the current 2013 academic year. In addition, a minimum of 50 additional engineering bursaries are awarded to learners on an annual basis.

CURRENT EXTERNAL BURSARS
	NUMBER
CIVIL ENGINEERS	38
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS	5
MECHANICAL ENGINEERS	14
CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS	40
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS	5
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS	9

(b) Senior and specialist engineering skills

The Department has decided to follow the route of head hunting senior and specialist engineers as from 2013. The programme has been approved and service providers are in place to assist with the process for all engineering related posts ad

Reply received: June 2013

QUESTION NO. 1158

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16 of 2013 NW1393E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 May 2013

Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) What total amount have (i) her departments and (ii) each specified entity reporting to her spent on conferences in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12 and (dd) 2012-13 financial years and (b) what (i) amount was spent on, and (ii) is the breakdown of the expenditure for, each specified conference?

Mr N J van den Berg (DA)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1158.THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

It is not practical to provide accurate responses to question no. 1158. The department will need to appoint auditors to fully retrieve and analyse the figures for periods far back as four financial years. Informed by the fact that it takes two months for External Auditors to audit a sample for one financial year with associated costs to be incurred.

The department and its Public Entities capacity is geared towards 2012/13 audit preparations which start from 1^st June until 31st July 2013. Simultaneously the same personnel is required to deliver the services as approved in annual plan of operation.

A further complication in undertaking the task is that itemisation framework in BAS-Chart of Accounts refers to a broad category on venues and facilities which includes conferences, meetings, accommodation, etc which makes the breakdown impossible without a full audit assessment of source documents.

Reply received: July 2013

QUESTION NO 1080

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 May 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16)

1080. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) What total amounts (a) have her departments and (b) has each specified entity reporting to her spent on (i) print and (ii) broadcast advertising in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12 and (dd) 2012-13 financial years;

(2) in each case, (a)(i) by which radio or television station were the advertisements broadcast and (ii) in which newspapers were the advertisements published in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12 and (dd) 2012-13 financial years and (b) at what cost in each specified case? NW1313E

---o0O0o---

REPLY:

(1) The department spend R22 688 923.21

(b) (i) (aa) In 2009/2010 R525 715.00 was spend on print media

(b) (ii)(aa) In 2009/2010 R2 925 287.00 spend on broadcast

(b) (i) bb) In 2010/2011 R115 063.00 was spend on print media
(b) (ii) bb) In 2010/2011 R5 921 702.00 spend on broadcast
(b) (i) cc) In 2011/2012 R160 130.00 was spend on print media
(b) (ii) (cc) In 2011/2012 R7 755 910.00 spend on broadcast
(b) (i) dd) In 2012/2013 R484 441.33 was spend on print media
(b) (ii) dd) In 2012/2013 R4 589 042.62 spend on broadcast

(2) (a) (i) (aa) RADIO 2009-2010

Station		Cost
SABC Radio Sales	NWW

i) aa)TELEVISON 2009-2010

Station	Campaign	Cost
SABC 3 Ezinkulu Productions	SABC Greening 2010 Campaign	R 1 638,320.00
SABC OB	Africa Water Week	R 627, 456.00

(ii) aa) NEWSPAPERS 2009-2010

Publication

Coverage

Cost

Beeld

Advert

R6 994.00

Independent Newspaper
The Star, Mercury cape Times, Pretoria News

Waste and Renewable energy feature

R80 574.65

Daily Dispatch

National Water Week Event

R 18 194.00

Die Burger

Aqua endure

R108 300.00

i) aa) MAGAZINES 2009-2010

Publishin Co.	Advert	Cost
Alive to Green	Sustainable Water Resources handbook	R68 970.00
SADC Advertising	DWA mandate and information	R91 194.30
3S Media IMISA	Blue drop	R30 000
Media 24	Aqua enduro	R 108 300.0
Uhuru Publication Sawubona	Women in water	R50 274.00
Malnor Government digest	Water management	R 12 141.00
Picasso Headline	10 yrs of water management	R34 143
Cape Media Corporation Opportunity	Quality of tap water campaign	R27 132.00
Cape Media Leadership in Local Government publication	Waste management National water week	R71 535.00
The Gafney Group Publishing at Local Government	Government year book	R75 000.00

(i)bb) RADIO 2010-2011

Station	Campaign	Cost
SABC Radio Sales	NWW	R1 612 830.00
Tsalena Media	Implementation of WRC and raw water charges on Dwa website	R406 630.45

(i)bb) NEWSPAPER 2010-2011

Publication	Campaign	Cost
Sowetan	NWW	R211 424.40
Mail & Guadian	NWW	R133 326.65
Media 24	Women in Water	R104 344.20

(i)bb) MAGAZINE 2010-2011

Publication	Campaign	Cost
Uhuru Sawubona	NWW	R53 010.00
Leadership	NWW and Water management	R90 003.00
Essential Publication	DWA - Eskom	R24 350.40
Picasso New Agenda	Water management	R29 925.,00
3S Media WISA	NWW	R50 864.00
Cape Media The Project Manager	Acid mine drainage and projects	R60 420.00
Alive2Green	Water feature on The green building book	R57 000.00
Ubuntu	Sustainable water feature	R24 572.70
SADC classified business directory	DWA mandate and information	R135 654.30

(i)bb) TELEVISION 2010-2011

Station	Campaign	Cost
Tshwane TV Zallywood	NWRS Magazine programme	R 3 4999,999.90
SABC	NWW

RADIO 2011-2012

Station	Campaign	Cost
SABC Radio Sales	NWW	R1 476 030.00

(i)cc) NEWSPAPER 2011-2012

Publication	Campaign	Cost
Avusa	Business Times Tender	R 208 543.80
Media 24	NWW	R490 314.00

(i)cc) MAGAZINE 2011-2012

Publication	Campaign	Cost
3S Media IMISA	Water feature	R12 500.00
Eco-Logic Publishing Enviropaedia	Water Greening	R31 350.00
Ikapa Media	Water dialogue	R114 000.00
Ulwazi	DWA mandate and information	R139 995.00
Essential Publication	Cop 17 Conference	R158 179.00
3S media	Blue drop	R39 900.00
Leadership Ubuntu Magazine		R34 143.00
The Gafney Group Publishing at Local Government	Government year book	85 500.00

(i)cc) COMMERCIAL RADIO 2011-2012

Station	Campaign	Cost
Gagasi FM	Nat Water Week	R87 791.40
Ukhozi FM	Nat Water Week	R130 770.00
YFM	OB	R204 182.95

(i)cc) TELEVISION 2011-2012

Station

Campaign

Cost

SABC

Nat Water Week

SABC

Community TV

Post Office TV

R 2, 795 918

2,795,918

R2,394,570

R275,948

R125 400

2010/2011 Daily Media Monitoring Newsclip R75 000

2010/2011 Imago Entertainment Stage and Billboard at Back to the City Festival R50 000.00

i) cc) RADIO 2012-2013

Station	Campaign	Cost
SABC Nguni/Sotho Radio	National water week	R483 920.00
SABC radio other	National water week	R125.400.00

i)dd) NEWSPAPER 2012-2013

Publication	Campaign/Advert	Cost
Sunday independent	Acid mine drainage	R51 105.43
The Star	Acid mine drainage	R68 014.01
The New Age	Acid mine drainage	R97 723.08
The Star and Pretoria News	NWRS Wrap Up Supplement	R 473 500.00
Mail & Guadian	Critical thinking forum	R390 997.00
Mail & Guadian, Sowetan	IT Tender	R101 676.40
Sowetan	NWW	R 267 755.20
The Star and Pretoria News	NWW	R311 4 68.00
Daily Dispatch	NWW	R 207 087.00
The Star, Pretoria News and Cape Argus	NWRS wall chat	R 798 000.00
The Herald City Press	NWW	R294 03.78
Media 24	Adventure of Tonsi Blue	R320 015.00

(i)dd) MAGAZINE 2012-2013

Publication	Campaign	Cost
Essential Publication	Eskom 90^th Anniversary	R44 232.00
UShaka Business	Water Feature	R62 700.00
Creamer Media Engineering News	Acid mine drainage	R 22 458.00
The Gafney Group Publishing at Local Government	Government year book 2013-2015	R94 050.00
Cape Media Ubuntu , Achiever and PMSA, Local government Leadership	Regional bulk infrastructure feature and on DM Women's month	R147 858.00
Mining Prospectus	NWRS	R51 300.00
Topco Media	Water Feature	R114 000.00
The Thinker	Opinion piece	R54 697.20
Financial Mail	DWA Water corporate supplement	R114 574.90
3S Media WISA	Water Feature	R64 980.00
Ads World	Water Feature	R75 240.00
Access Directory	DWA mandate	R68 394.30
ESG South Africa	Minister's profile	R55 803.00
SADC Directory Services	DWA mandate and information	R159 995.00
Transform SA	Acid mine drainage	R27 348.60
SABI	Water Feature	R27 164.47

(i)dd) TELEVISION 2012-2013

Station	Campaign	Cost
SABC Bower Production Motswako	Woman in Water	R 123 709.50
Tshwane TV Zallywood	NWRS Cartoon	R315 000.00

(i)dd) 2012/2013 Daily Media Monitoring with Newsclip R439 123.32

(i)dd) 2012/2013 6 months water youth campaign with Central Media OFM R338 545.80

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION NO. 1050

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 16 of 2013 NW1275E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 17 May 2013

Mrs C N Z Zikalala (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What is her department doing in respect of the alleged dumping of toxic chemicals at Bosplaas north of Pretoria by Ceramic Industries?

Mrs C N Z Zikalala (IFP)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

1050

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

The Department of Environmental Affairs has conducted a criminal investigation against certain persons accused of the illegal dumping of general waste in the Bosplaas area. The investigation has been completed and the accused will appear in court on 23 May 2013.

However, the Department is not aware of toxic chemicals being dumped in this area. The waste involved in the case investigated by the Department comprised granite and building rubble which are not hazardous. The Department is also aware that the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism has been investigating the illegal dumping of waste comprising ceramic tiles.

Should there be information related to the dumping of toxic chemicals, such information should be provided to the Department through the Environmental Crime Hotline 0800 205 005 for further investigation.

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION NO. 1033

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15 of 2013 NW1259E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 May 2013

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

(a) How many (i) elephants and (ii) rhinos were counted in each case in the last census in the Kruger National Park and

(b) when was the last census for each species completed?

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(a) (i) Elephants: Approximately 16571

(ii) White rhinos: Approximately 10495 (95% Confidence Interval: 8500-12900)

Black rhino Approximately 627 (95% Confidence Interval: 588 – 666)

(b) The last census for each species was completed as follows:

Elephant 2012

White rhino 2012

Black rhino 2009

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION N0.1018
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15 of 2013 NW1242E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 May 2013
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) What is the amount in bonuses that the (a) Director-General of Environmental Affairs and (b) Chief Executive of South African National Parks received in the 2012-13 financial year;

(2) on what basis were bonuses given to persons working in (a) the office of the Director-General of Environmental Affairs and (b) the South African National Parks Board in the 2012-13 financial year;

(3) what was the average bonus received by persons working in the Department of Environmental Affairs in the 2012-13 financial year?

Mrs M Wenger (DA)
SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS

1 (a) R 122 364.81, (b) R 343 389.00
(2) (a) The performance bonuses were paid on the basis of an annual appraisal of each member for that particular assessment cycle in accordance with the Departmental Performance Management and Development Policy.
(b) Performance and agreed Key Performance Areas.
(3) R25243

Reply received: June 2013

QUESTION NO 958

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 10 May 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15)

958. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Since 1 January 2011, how many applications under the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000, were received by (a) her departments and (b) entities reporting to her, and in each case, how many were (i) granted, (ii) refused and (iii) deemed refused under section 27;

(2) since 1 January 2011, how many internal appeals under the Act were received by (a) her departments and (b) entities reporting to her, and in each case, how many were (i) granted, (ii) refused and (iii) deemed refused under section 77(7);

(3) who is the information officer for (a) her departments and (b) each entity reporting to her, and in each case, what are the contact details of the officer? NW1181E

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REPLY:

The Department of Water Affairs (DWA)-

(1) (a) Since January 2011, DWA has received 15 requests for access to records.

(i) 9 requests were granted.

(ii) 2 requests were refused in terms of section 34(1) and section 38 of the Act

respectively.

(iii No deemed refusal.

The Water Research Commission (WRC)

(b) Since January 2011, the WRC only received 1 request for access of records.

(i) No request was granted.

(ii) The above request was refused in terms of section 37 (b) of the Act.

(iii) No deemed refusal.

Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA)

(b) Since January 2011, TCTA received 2 requests for access of records.

(i) 1 request was granted.

(ii) No request was refused.

(iii) 1 deemed refusal. However, the requester and TCTA have an agreement in regard to time frames within which TCTA should respond to the request.

(2) DWA -

(a) Since January 2011, DWA has received only one appeal.

(i) DWA is busy finalizing the appeal.

(ii) Not applicable

(iii) Not applicable

WRC -

(b) Since January 2011, WRC has not received any appeals.

(i) Not applicable.

(ii) Not applicable.

(iii) Not applicable.

TCTA -

(b) Since January 2011, TCTA received no appeals.

(i) Not applicable.

(ii) Not applicable.

(iii) Not applicable.

(3) Names and details of the Information Officers:

DWA Information Officer

Mr Trevor Balzer

[email protected]

012- 336 7754

WRC Information Officer

Mr Dhesigen Naidoo

[email protected]

012-330 9033 /0340

TCTA Information Officer

Mr James Ndlovu

[email protected]

012-683 1200

Names and details of the Deputy Information Officers for ease of reference and expediency in

providing information:

DWA Deputy Information Officer

Mr. Anil Singh

[email protected]

012- 336 67531

WRC Deputy Information Officer

Ms Reshmili Lutchman

[email protected] ; [email protected]

012-330 9033 /0340

TCTA Deputy Information Officer

Mr Khudu Mbeba

[email protected] and [email protected]

012 683 1200

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION NO. 958

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15 of 2013 NW1181E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 May 2013

Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(2) Since 1 January 2011, how many internal appeals under the Act were received by (a) her departments and (b) entities reporting to her, and in each case, how many were (i) granted, (ii) refused and (iii) deemed refused under section 77(7).

(3) Who is the information officer for (a) her departments and (b) each entity reporting to her, and in each case, what are the contact details of the officer?

Mrs M Wenger (DA)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

The Department of Environmental Affairs

1. The Department of Environmental Affairs has received a total of sixty two (62) requests for information in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000) (PAIA) from 1 January 2011 to date. There were thirty nine (39) granted, two (2) refused, two (2) partially refused and 0 deemed refused under section 27. Note: fourteen (14) matters were transferred to the relevant departments or authorities concerned, four (4) are still being processed by the department and in one (1) instance the department did not have the information that was requested.

Department of Environmental Affairs: January 2011 to date

Number of applications received

Number granted

Number refused

Number partially refused

Number deemed refused

Internal Appeals

received

Nil

2. The Department of Environmental Affairs has dealt with one (1) internal appeal in terms of the PAIA, which was an appeal against the partial disclosure of information; it was dismissed. The other appeal is still in process.

3. Department of Environmental Affairs Information Officer:

Ms Nosipho Ngcaba

Director-General

Department of Environmental Affairs

Private bag X447

PRETORIA

0001

Tel: +27 12 310 3960/3017

Fax: + 27 12 322 4832

Email: [email protected]

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION NO 910

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 3 May 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 14)

910. Ms B D Ferguson (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether South Africa has water shortages; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1136E

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REPLY:

Currently South Africa has sufficient water to meet its present social and economic requirements. However, this does not mean that water shortages will not be experienced in future in some localities as the country is characterized by low and highly variable rainfall relative to the world average, erratic runoff, high levels of evaporation, sedimentation problems in storage dams and increasing challenges due to water pollution. All of these pose constraints on the reliability of water available for use.

It is also worth noting that droughts (when less than expected water is received in a place), are natural phenomena and will keep occurring in the country from time to time. But it is not correct to say that the country has a water shortage when water requirements cannot be met due to excessive drought – just as much as it is not correct to say that the country has excess water when floods occur. Other challenges that may also lead to temporary water shortages include infrastructure breakdown, lack of skilled personnel and system water losses due to high levels of water wastage and inefficient use.

In order to mitigate against such water shortage problems, my Department has developed operating rules whilst promoting improved water use efficiency to guide water use and to reduce the risk of system failure during drought spells. As such, operating rules have been established for all systems serving large economic centers, whilst their development continues for smaller schemes and dams with 20 completed in the 2012/2013 financial year. Due to current favourable conditions, no scheme is expected to experience water shortages in the short-term.

Further to this, my Department has developed Reconciliation Strategies to cover the long term planning of water supply for all the large systems supplying the metropolitan areas and other areas where the largest portions of the economy is generated, as well as for all the other towns and villages in the country. These strategies consider future water requirement scenarios in consultation with institutions and users in the various areas taking into account all the possible measures that could be implemented to ensure enough water is available in the future and recommend a programme of implementation thereof. Strategies have been completed for the following areas:

· Western Cape System supply area

· Algoa System supply area

· Amatole System supply area

· KZN Coastal Metropolitan System supply area

· Vaal River System supply area

· Crocodile (West) System supply area

· Olifants River System supply area

· Bloemfontein System supply area

The following strategies are currently under development:

· Mbombela System supply area

· Orange River System supply area

· Luvuvhu/Letaba System supply area

· Richards Bay System supply area

· Limpopo Water Management Area Northern supply area

The first order strategies for all the other towns and villages in South Africa have also been completed. The completed strategies and information on the current understanding of the long term prospects in each area are all available on the website of my Department under http://www.dwa.gov.za/projects.aspx[m1]

[m1]verify if the website still makes reference to DWAF and not DWA

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION NO. 900

INTERNAL QUESTION NO. 14 of 2013 NW1122E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 03 May 2013

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

(1) Whether she has received a request from the SA National Parks (SANParks) to re-erect the boundary fence between Kruger National Park and Mozambique; if so, when.

(2) Whether she has made a decision in this regard; 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

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) Yes, we have been discussing with the SA National Parks the matter of re-erection of the fence at the border between South Africa and Mozambique.

(2) Yes, the fence may be re-erected once investigations and planning as well as discussion with the Mozambiquan Minister are completed.

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION NO. 899

INTERNAL QUESTION NO. 14 of 2013 NW1121E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 03 May 2013

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

Whether she has visited all the National Parks during her tenure; if not, (a) which one has she not visited and (b) when will she do so; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

899. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(a) The Minister has visited the following National Parks:

· Kruger National Park: Site visit on the damage caused by the Floods

· Mapungubwe National Park: Launch of the National Parks Week.

· Addo Elephant Park

· Augrabies falls National Park

· Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park

· Golden Gate Highlands National Park

· Karoo National Park

· Kgalagadi Transfontier Park

· Marakele National Park

· Table Mountain National Park

· West Coast National Park

Included to these are the many Provincial Parks and all other areas next to these Parks below that I have not visited.

The Minister has not visited the following National Parks:

· Aqulhas National Park

· Bontebok National Park

· Camdeboo National Park

· Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

· Mokala National Park

· Mountain Zebra National Park

· Namaqua National Park

· Tankwa Karoo National Park

· |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

(b) I would like to have visited as many National Parks as I could, however, these would be prioritised accordingly and visits would still take place as and when necessary. It must also be borne in mind that the two Departments that I oversee demand my presence in all the areas and places, villages, communities, churches etc which are not Parks.

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION NO. 879

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 14 of 2013 NW1098E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 3 May 2013

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) What is the estimated amount of jackass penguin breeding pairs?

(2) What are the reasons for the decrease in the numbers of jackass penguin breeding pairs?

(3) What is being done to stop the decrease in the number of jackass penguin breeding pairs?

Dr P J Rabie (DA)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) There was a total of 18 683 breeding pairs in South Africa in 2012 (Jackass Penguins are now referred to as ''African Penguins.'')

(2) Historical reasons for decreases include the harvesting of penguin eggs, which stopped in 1967, and loss of habitat through guano scraping, which made penguins susceptible to heat stress and aerial predation. Present factors influencing the ongoing decrease include: oil spills, movements of their prey away from their West Coast breeding localities, and competition with fisheries for food on the West Coast.

(3) Responses to pollution are addressed by the Department of Environmental Affairs with considerable assistance from other agencies, such as SANCOB, in order to reduce mortality. Studies of closures of fishing of small pelagic prey species around key penguin colonies to improve food availability are under way. Artificial nests that provide protection from heat and predators, such as gulls, have been placed at colonies. Research into the movement of adults and fledgling chicks is being undertaken.

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION NO. 878
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 14 NW1097E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 03 May 2013
Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What is the progress in negotiations with China, Vietnam and Mozambique regarding the trade in rhinoceros horns?

Dr P J Rabie (DA)
SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

i) Yes, entered into treaty with China
ii) In the process of entering into treaties with Asian and African countries
iii) The Department continues to implement and review the National Strategy on the Safety and Security of Rhinoceros population in South Africa, whose objectives are primarily implemented together with the Law Enforcement Agencies, in an integrated approach. We have since the CITES COP17 started with the implementation of the decision endorsed by the convention, by intensifying our interaction and participation in international law enforcement forums n which Rhino poaching will be treated as a form of transnational crime to be observed by all participating countries. The consequences and application of international prescripts relating to transnational will be standardised on Rhino related crimes for all countries and bear equal and standardised penalties at conviction.

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION NO 872

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 3 May 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 14)

872. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

What are the outcomes of the disciplinary hearings of two persons (names furnished)? NW1091E

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REPLY:

(1) The disciplinary hearing relating to the first named person is still in process. The person appeared at the disciplinary enquiry on 30 April 2013 and requested a postponement. He also requested to have a legal representative. The Chairperson postponed the hearing to 22 May 2013.

(2) With regard to the second person named, the matter was long concluded. The Arbitrator ruled that she is guilty of misconduct and should not be re-instated but rather be paid compensation amounting to the balance of her contract period. She was paid 2 months ago and therefore, the matter is concluded.

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION NO. 871

INTERNAL QUESTION NO. 14 of 2013 NW1090E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 03 May 2013

Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) How many rhinoceroses were in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park on 9 December 2002 and

(b) how many rhinoceroses are currently in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park?

Mrs M Wenger (DA)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(a) Approximately 4 000 to 4 500 white and 340 black rhinoceroses

(b) Approximately 11 000 to 11 300 white and 760 black rhinoceroses

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION NO 819

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 April 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 13)

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

Whether she took any steps to protect whistle blowers who were dismissed by Bloem Water for being whistle blowers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1035E

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REPLY:

(1). Bloem Water is not aware of any employees charged as a result of whistle blowing. Employees have been subjected to disciplinary hearings in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Relations Act. The hearings were instituted as a result of various acts of misconduct committed by the employees.

(2). However, my office received a Memorandum from SAMWU making numerous allegations against certain Managers. Officials from my office and the department met with SAMWU, Bloem Water Management and the Board to prepare a response to the SAMWU Memorandum. During discussions, additional and unsubstantiated allegations were levelled against Management amongst which the whistle blower issue arose.

(3). The Department is considering various options to deal with the concerns and allegations raised by SAMWU. At this stage, no steps were necessary as the verbal allegations of whistle blowing at Bloem Water have not been tested.

QUESTION NO 819

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 April 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 13)

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

Whether she took any steps to protect whistle blowers who were dismissed by Bloem Water for being whistle blowers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1035E

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REPLY:

(1) No steps were necessary as I am not aware of any whistle blowers that were dismissed at Bloem Water for being whistle blowers.

Reply received: May 2013

QUESTION NO. 780

INTERNAL QUESTION NO. 15 of 2013 NW976E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10 May 2013

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

(1) How many days have been allocated in the 2012-13 financial year for scientists on the SA Agulhas who run the research programmes approved by the SA National Antarctic Programme;

(2) whether the specified number of research days are enough to take care of the scientists' needs to do their work; if not, (a) why not and (b) what will her department do about it?

Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) The SA Agulhas II has spent 142 days at sea since its arrival. Of these, 84% were used by scientists for research.

(2) Yes

Reply received: April 2013

QUESTION NO 626

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 28 MARCH 2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 10)

626. Mr T D Harris (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) How many claims were instituted against her departments (a) in the (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09, (iii) 2009-10, (iv) 2010-11 and (v) 2011-12 financial years and (b) during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) in respect of each specified financial year, (a) what amount was claimed, (b) how many claims were (i) finalised in court, (ii) settled out of court and (iii) are still outstanding and (c) what amount has been paid to each plaintiff in each case that was (i) finalised in court and (ii) settled out of court? NW785E

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REPLY:

In response to questions (1) and (2), kindly find a table for the relevant financial years, which provides details regarding the claims, as per the above-mentioned question:

2007/2008 financial year

Number of claims	Total amount claimed	Total amount partly paid	Total matters finalised in court	Total matters settled out of court	Number of matters still pending
6	R5 053 000-00	R86 000-00	Nil	1	6

The amount of R86 000-00 paid in the M Briesies case was a part payment hence the number of

Outstanding matters indicated as 6.

2008/2009 financial year

Number of claims	Total amount claimed	Total amount paid	Total matters finalised in court	Total matters settled out of court	Number of matters still pending
7	R3 479 000-00	R182 406 000	Nil	40	12

1. D de Villiers and others v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid to claimant

R400 000-00

2. Aquatic Weed Control v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid to claimant:

R2 953 000-00

3. M Tshwandalani v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid to claimant: R19 000.00

4. D Mongwe & 71 others v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid to claimants

R8 033 000-00

5. Concur Constructions v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R33 000-00

6. Individual claims (12) v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R1 505 000-00

7. T Mgwaba v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R1 165 000-00

8. JSW van der Heyst v Minister of Water affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R875 000-00

9. AIS Farming v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R55 000-00

10. JJ Scheepers v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R266 000-00

11. N Jekubeni v Minister of Water affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R14 000-00

12. JP Vermaak v Minister of Water Affairs: Amount paid R1 000-00

13. C Strauss v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R6 000-00

14. N Matodzi v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R33 000-00

15. Inclenon DPI (Pty) Ltd v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R25 000-00

16. L Lubisi v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R27 000-00

17. JJ Kruger v Minister of water Affairs and forestry: Amount paid R23 000-00

18. M Briesies v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R85 000-00

19. Theo La Grange Trust v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R855 000-00

20. TR Collier v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R266 000-00

21. HJ Durr v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R4 200 000-00

22. D Dalling v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R365 000-00

23. Anglo Gold Mine v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R50 000-00

24. Louis Hatting v Minister of Water affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R93 000-00

25. Marias v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R117 000-00

26. J Nkuna v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: R51 000-00

27. Naude v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R102 000-00

28. Group Five (PTY) Ltd v Minister of Water affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R65 030 000-00

29. Harmony Gold Mining Company v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid

R48 100 000-00

30. Mienies Municipality v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R3 000 000-00

31. Mdingi v Minister of Water affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R171 000-00

32. Khala v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R 7 000 000-00

33. CC Bill v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R15 000-00

34. CN Polo v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R150 000-00

35. SA Promotion gifts v Minister of Water affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R70 000-00

36. Initial training Impact CC v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: R60 000-00

37. MJ Koma v Minister of Water affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R34 000-00

38. Aaron Mashegoana v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R20 000-00

39. JWA Electrical v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R3 062 000-00

40. Rolust Roodeboschplaats v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R1 110 000-00

2009/2010 financial year

Number of claims	Total amount claimed	Total amount paid	Total matters finalised in court	Total matters settled out of court	Number of matters still pending
18	R8 396 000-00	R1 399 000-00	Nil	9	21

1. N Qindisa v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R70 000-00

2. Estate Late Nematodzi v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R316 000-00

3. Mdingi v Minister of Water affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R19 000-00

4. JF Nel and Two Others v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R767 000-00

5. Fast track Couries v Minister of Water affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R147 000-00

6. MTO v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: case transferred to Department of Agriculture, Forestry

and Fisheries (DAFF) R1600 000-00

7. Mhlontlo v Minister of Water affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R76 000-00

8. MTO v Minister of Water affairs and Forestry: case transferred to DAFF R1600 000-00

2010/2011 financial year

Number of claims	Total amount claimed	Total amount paid	Total matters finalised in court	Total matters settled out of court	Number of matters still pending
3	R2 644 000-00	R4 131 000-00	Nil	2	21

1. Xaji N v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R4 00-00

2. SAFCOL (WFW Cape Town) v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R4 127 000-00

2011/2012 financial year

Number of claims	Total amount claimed	Total amount paid	Total matters finalised in court	Total matters settled out of court	Number of matters still pending
23	R55 083 000-00	R1 403 000-00	1	7	24

1. Tripple "sss" v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: Amount paid R263 000-00

2. Stellenbosch Municipality v Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: R3 000-00

3. ABSA Bank v Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs: Amount paid R26 000-00

4. Galson Farm v Minister of Water and environmental Affairs: Amount paid R50 000-00

5. Naledi Office Equipment v Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs: Amount paid R 217 000-00

6. Tebfin (Pty) Ltd v Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs: Amount paid R 352 000-00

7. Choice Technologies v Department of Water Affairs: Amount paid R424 000-00

8. Dr. Rudolph Fourie and L Fourie v Department of Water Affairs: Amount paid R68 000-00

1 April 2012 to date

Number of claims	Total amount claimed	Total amount paid	Total matters finalised in court	Total matters settled out of court	Number of matters still pending
16	R7 653 472-00	R4 443 564-20	5	2	33

1. Van der Merwe JP v Department of Water Affairs: Amount paid R319 152. 18

2. Mulaudzi KO v Department of Water Affairs: Amount paid R107 339.56

3. Ceza N v Department of Water affairs: Amount paid R431 508.12

4. Mudau VC v Department of Water Affairs: Amount paid R334 375-04

5. Sehularo NA v Department of Water Affairs: Amount paid R265 882-05

6. NJ Ngele v Department of Water Affairs: Amount paid R2 251 602-00

7. PB Yako v Department of Water Affairs: Amount paid R733 705-50

QUESTION NO. 626

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 10 of 2013 NW785E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 28 March 2013

Mr T D Harris (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) How many claims were instituted against Water and Environmental Affairs (a) in the (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09, (iii) 2009-10, (iv) 2010-11 and (v) 2011-12 financial years and (b) during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) in respect of each financial year (a) what amount was claimed, (b) how many claims were (i) finalised in court, (ii) settled out of court and (iii) are still outstanding and (c) what amount has been paid to each plaintiff in each case that was (i) finalised in court and (ii) settled out of court?

Mr T D Harris (DA)

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

In response to questions (1) and (2), kindly find a table for the relevant financial years, which provides details regarding the claims, as per the above-mentioned parliamentary question:

2007/2008 financial year

Number of claims	Total amount claimed	Total amount paid	Total matters finalised in court	Total matters settled out of court	Number of matters still pending
2	R3 550 080,00	Nil	1	1	Nil

2008/2009 financial year

Number of claims	Total amount claimed	Total amount paid	Total matters finalised in court	Total matters settled out of court	Number of matters still pending
3	R29 913 654,80	R363 726,51	Nil	3	Nil

J Wessels v Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs: Amount paid to claimant: R70 000.00

Tau Meubelvervoer v Minister of Environmental Affairs: Amount paid to claimant: R13 726.51

Snegugu Skills Development Consultant v Minister of Environmental Affairs: Amount paid to claimant: R280 000.00

2009/2010 financial year

Number of claims	Total amount claimed	Total amount paid	Total matters finalised in court	Total matters settled out of court	Number of matters still pending
Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

2010/2011 financial year

Number of claims	Total amount claimed	Total amount paid	Total matters finalised in court	Total matters settled out of court	Number of matters still pending
Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

2011/2012 financial year

Number of claims	Total amount claimed	Total amount paid	Total matters finalised in court	Total matters settled out of court	Number of matters still pending
18	R14 451 98,00	R47 967,00	0	15	3

SS Sotondoshe v Director-General of Environmental affairs: Amount paid to claimant: R47 967.00

1 April 2012 to date

Number of claims	Total amount claimed	Total amount paid	Total matters finalised in court	Total matters settled out of court	Number of matters still pending
2	R1 619 531,00	Nil	Nil	Nil	2

2013-05-29

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