Water & Sanitation

2015-03-17

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Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1756

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 MAY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 14)

1756. Mr. L J Basson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) Whether she has taken any steps to re-constitute the Water Tribunal in terms of section 146(1) read with section 146(5) of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) has she requested recommendations for the membership of the Water Tribunal from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Water Research Commission (WRC) as contemplated in section 146(5) of the Act; if not, why not; if so, which individuals were nominated for membership of the Water Tribunal;

(3) on how many occasions since 1 January 2010, has she or her predecessor exercised the discretion under section 148(2)(b) of the specified Act to lift the suspension of water use licenses in respect of which an appeal was lodged under section 148 of the specified Act? NW1974E

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REPLY:

Yes. The Department has, by Notice No. 37766 dated 24 June 2014 published in the Government Gazette in terms of section 146 of the Act read with item 3 of schedule 6 of the National Water Act, invited nominations for the position of the Chairperson of the Water Tribunal. Advertisements were also placed on a number of national newspapers. On 9 October 2014, the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) interviewed six shortlisted candidates. After the interviews the JSC recommended four candidates from which to select and appoint the Chairperson of the Water Tribunal.

The Water Research Commission interviewed 10 shortlisted candidates for the positions of additional members and the Deputy Chairperson of the Water Tribunal. The matter was referred to the Cabinet on 18 March 2015, approved the appointment of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and four additional members to the Water Tribunal.

Refer to response above.

Since 2010, five (5) discretions under section 148(2)(b) of the specified Act were exercised.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1755

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 MAY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 14)

1755. Mr L J Basson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 29 on 30 June 2014, when will she publish the declaration of hydraulic fracturing as a controlled activity as proposed in Notice 863 of 2013 in Government Gazette No. 36760 of 23 August 2013;

(2) whether she will publish draft regulations to regulate the impact of hydraulic fracturing for shale gas on water resources; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she has taken any steps in terms of section 16 of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, to determine the reserves for significant water resources that are likely to be adversely affected by hydraulic fracturing and related activities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether her department will require applicants to obtain a water use licence in respect of each affected significant water resource and/or catchment area or a single water use licence for the entire exploration area in the Karoo? NW1973E

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REPLY:

The notice declaring the exploration and or production of onshore naturally occurring hydrocarbons that require stimulation, including but not limited to hydraulic fracturing and or underground gasification to extract and any activity incidental thereto that may impact detrimentally on the water resource as a controlled activity will be published within the next two months.

The Department is working together with the Department of Mineral Resources and both departments have made major contributions to the draft technical regulations for hydraulic fracturing based on research done in the past year. This is towards achieving the alignment and integration between the regulatory authorities. Based on the implementation of these Regulations the Department may further develop separate regulations.

Currently a high confidence preliminary Reserve is being undertaken by the Department for the entire Gouritz catchment in the Western Cape. This study will be completed in November 2015. Furthermore, the Department is in the process of initiating a preliminary Reserve study for the entire Lower Orange catchment mainly due to the anticipated hydraulic fracturing in this area.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1665

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8 MAY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 13)

1665. Mr A R McLoughlin (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) Whether a forensic investigation into her department’s supply chain management was instituted after the Auditor-General made findings during the 2014-2015 audit of her department of clear and unambiguous evidence of irregular practices in the area of procurement; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will such an investigation be launched; if so, (i) what were the findings of the investigation and (ii)(aa) when and (bb) where will the results be made public;

(2) whether, in view of evidence of corrupt practices, she will take steps against those persons found to be perpetrators of such practices; if not, why not; if so, what steps will she take (a) against the perpetrators and (b) to recover misappropriated or wastefully spent monies? NW1882E

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REPLY

No findings have been made by the Auditor-General for the 2014/15 audit at this stage as the Department is still awaiting audit outcomes for this reporting period and therefore no forensic audit would have been instituted.

(2) For any evidence of corrupt practices applicable law enforcement agencies will be engaged as well as the use of internal processes in the recovering of misappropriated funds.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1653

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 22 MAY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15)

1653. Ms J Steenkamp (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) Whether her department has received any complaints with regard to the water quality of the Kaalspruit River; if so, (a) how many complaints and (b) what action was taken with regard to each complaint;

(2) (a) when last was the water quality of the Kaalspruit River tested, (b) what was the result of the test, (c) from which location in the Kaalspruit River was the water sample sourced and (d) what action has been taken to reduce the pollution in the Kaalspruit River;

(3) What are the names of the (a) businesses and/or (b) organizations found to be polluting the Kaalspruit River?
NW1870E

REPLY:

(1)(a) Yes, six complaints regarding water quality pollution in the Kaalspruit River were received by my Department between the period April 2015 and May 2015.

(1)(b) For the six complaints received, site inspections were conducted and it was revealed that indeed pollution took place. Therefore, the polluters were instructed to provide action plans stipulating how the challenges will be resolved. However, similar incidents were reported before April 2015, where site inspections were conducted and non-compliance notices and directives were issued to the polluters. Furthermore, a task team has been established by my Department to monitor implementation of the action plans.

(2)(a) The latest water quality tests for the were conducted on 17 February 2015.

(2)(b) The results indicated unacceptable level of ammonia and nitrate with low levels of chemical constituents.

(2)(c) The water samples were sourced at Hennops River at Erasmia Bridge. My Department, under the regulatory function, conducted site inspections at the affected areas and issued non-compliance letters, pre-directives and directives to both the City of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipalities instructing them to comply. Due to the fact that pollution is across different municipal boundaries, a task team has been established by my Department to address the identified pollution issues. I have also engaged both the Honourable Premiers and Executive Mayors of Ekurhuleni and the City of Johannesburg to discuss amongst others, pollution issues. Further, I have requested them to produce an action plan to deal with human settlement and sanitation issues amongst others.

(3)(a) No businesses were identified.

(3)(b) Ekurhuleni and the City of Johannesburg metropolitan municipalities

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1636

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8 MAY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 13)

1636. Dr M J Figg (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

Whether Bloem Water is still involved in the Bucket Eradication Programme; if not, (a) when and (b) why did her department suspend Bloem Water’s participation in the programme? NW1853E

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REPLY:

(a) Yes, Bloem Water is still involved in the Bucket Eradication Programme and is the Department’s Implementing Agent in the Free State.

(b) The Department did not suspend or terminate Bloem Water’s participation in the Programme.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1631

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8 MAY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 13)

1631. Ms T E Baker (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(a) When will her department table the latest Blue and Green Drop reports and (b) what are the reasons for the delay in the tabling of these reports? NW1848E

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REPLY:

(a) The Blue and Green Drop reports 2012/13 were released to individual municipalities because the former Minister took the decision not to release the reports into the public domain but instead to release the reports to the individual municipalities from whom the information can be obtained and an executive summary can be found on the Department’s official website (www.dws.gov.za).

The 2013/14 reports will be completed by the end of June 2015. I will make an announcement relating to the release of the report.

(b) There is no requirement to table the Blue and Green Drop reports, the Department has in the previous year's published the reports and has simultaneously held an awards ceremony. There is no delay, the process is on track.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1630

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8 MAY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 13)

1630. Mrs Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

Whether any informal settlements make use of boreholes for the supply of drinking water to residents; if so, (a) how many informal settlements and (b) where are they situated? NW1847E

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REPLY:

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is not aware of any informal settlements making use of boreholes for the supply of drinking water to residents.

The Honorable Member should note that the DWS is not involved with informal settlements and their services. Since 1996 and again confirmed in 1998 (Cabinet approved), the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) is responsible for providing any services within informal settlements. DWS is requesting that the question be transferred to the Minister of Human Settlements.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1595

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 APRIL 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 12)

1595. Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

When will her department publish a report on compliance with and enforcement of national water legislation? NW1808E

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REPLY:

My Department will publish the report on national water compliance and enforcement in October 2015.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1594

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 APRIL 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 12)

1594. Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) (a) How many criminal dockets were opened with the SA Police Service for (i) failing to comply with water use authorizations or (ii) using water without authorization as required by the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, and (b) what is the breakdown of the figures for each (i) region and (ii) sector;

(2) (a) how many criminal dockets were handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the (i) 2013-14 and (ii) 2014-15 financial years for offences in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, and (b) what is the breakdown of the figures for each (i) region and (ii) sector;

(3) (a) how many criminal dockets for transgressions of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, did the NPA decline to prosecute in the specified periods and (b) what is the breakdown of the figures for each (i) region and (ii) sector;

(4) how many convictions were secured in each of the specified periods for transgressions of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, and (b) what is the breakdown of the figures for each (i) region and (ii) sector;

(5) What was the (a) highest monetary fine and (b) longest sentence of direct imprisonment obtained for convictions for offences of transgressions of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, in each specified period? NW1807E

REPLY:

(1)(a) My Department has opened a total of Sixty Seven (67) cases with the South African Police Service (SAPS) for contravening the National Water Act (Act no 36 of 1998) (NWA). (i), one (1) case was opened for not complying with water use authorizations and (ii) Fifty Eight (58) were cases opened for engaging in water uses without authorisation.

(1)(b) Below is the region and sector breakdown of criminal cases opened:

Criminal Cases Opened with SAPS
Region	Sectors
Region	Mining	Agriculture	Industries	Water Services Authorities	Tourism	Total
Eastern Cape	-	-	-	-	-	-
Free State	-	1	-	7	-	8
Gauteng	2	6	-	-	-	8
KwaZulu-Natal	10	-	1	-	-	11
Limpopo	-	1	-	-	-	1
Mpumalanga	9	14	3	1	1	28
North West	1	2	-	1	-	4
Northern Cape	4	-	-	-	-	4
Western Cape	-	-	2	1	-	3
Total	26	24	6	10	1	67

(2) The relevant Department to answer the question is the South African Police Service (SAPS).

(3) The relevant Department to answer the question is the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

(4) The relevant Department to answer the question is the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

(5)(a) The highest monetary fine was One Million Rand (R1 000 000.00) in 2013/2014.

(5)(b) No imprisonment was obtained for convictions for the offences of transgressions of the NWA.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1564

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 APRIL 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11)

1564. Mr P G Atkinson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

Whether her department has any plans in place to upgrade the provision of water and sanitation to the residents of Thembelihle, south of Johannesburg, Gauteng; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1776E

REPLY:

There is currently work being done in developing a Water and Sanitation Master plan for Gauteng in consultation with Gauteng Provincial and City of Johannesburg.

It should be noted:

Thembelihle is an informal settlement under City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and the residents feel the Thembelihle area must be developed and therefore are somehow not willing to be relocated.

According to CoJ’s Housing Department, Thembelihle area is located on ground not suitable for high density low cost housing development. This was based on two dolomitic stability studies that were conducted in 2006 by the CoJ.

CoJ has recently initiated additional geotechnical investigations that will address the issue of which part of the Thembelihle could be developed. Once the study has been finalised, CoJ would then be in a position to provide a proper plan regarding the development of low-cost housing in the area and subsequently the plans to upgrade water and sanitation services in the area. In the meantime, residents of Thembelihle are benefitting from the following basic water and sanitation services which are provided by the Joburg Water:-

• Communal stand-pipes for water

• Ventilated Improved Pit-latrines (VIPs)

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1269

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 APRIL 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 10)

1269. Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) (a) How many positions in the Department of Water Affairs are dedicated to compliance and enforcement and (b) what is the breakdown of these figures for each region;

(2) (a) how many of the specified positions are (i) responsible for assessment of and recommendations on water use licence applications and (ii) currently vacant and (b) what is the breakdown of the job levels of these positions? NW1477E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) The Department has a total of seventy five (75) positions dedicated to enforcement and thirty five (35) positions performing dual functions (compliance and enforcement).

(1)(b) Refer to the table below for the breakdown of these figures per region.

Office/ Provincial Operation	Number of Enforcement posts				Number of posts performing dual functions (CME) at regional level since the function has not been split yet
Office/ Provincial Operation	Filled	Level	Vacant	Level	Filled	Level	Vacant	Level
National	24	6-13	24	6-13
Limpopo	0	0	0	0	21		0	0
North West	0	8-12	7	8-12	2	12;13	0	0
Northern Cape	0	7-12	8	0	2	10;11	0	0
Western Cape	2	8	0	0	3	10;12;13	0	0
Eastern Cape	1	10	0	0	6	7-12	0	0
Gauteng	0	0	11	5;OSD;12	5	12-13	0	0
KwaZulu-Natal	0	0	0	0	2	10;12	7	5-12
Mpumalanga	0	0	0	0	2	8-10	2	8-10
Free State	0	0	0	0	5	8;9;10;11;12	3	8
Total	25		50		23		12

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Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1268

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 APRIL 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 10)

1268. Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) How many (a) notices and (b) directives were issued in response to non-compliance with the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 (i) in the 2013-14 financial year and (ii) from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) can she provide a breakdown of these figures for each (a) region and (b) sector? NW1476E

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REPLY:

(1)(a)(b) The Department has issued Two Hundred and Forty Four (244) Notices and Fifty Five (55) Directives for FY 2014/2015.

(2)(a) Refer to the table below for the breakdown per region:

Provinces	Pre-Directive	Directive
Eastern Cape	11	2
Free State	33	7
Gauteng	25	7
KwaZulu-Natal	17	10
Limpopo	80	8
Mpumalanga	56	6
North West	14	8
Northern Cape	8	7
Western Cape	0	0
Total	244	55

(2)(b) Refer to the table below for the breakdown per sector:

Sectors	Pre-Directives	Directives
Mining	30	18
Agriculture	51	8
Water Services Authorities	12	2
Industries	8	7
Government Institutions	6	2
Tourism	0	0
Totals	107	37

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1267

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 APRIL 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 10)

1267. Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) How many complaints have been received through (a) her department’s hotline for reporting crimes related to water resources in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 and (b) email in the 2014-15 financial year;

(2) how many (a) inspections to assess compliance with the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 and (b) authorizations under the Act were conducted (i) in 2014 and (ii) from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(3) Can she provide a breakdown of these figures for each (a) region and (b) sector? NW1475E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) Twenty-nine (29) complaints were received through the Department’s hotline.

(1)(b) One hundred and eighteen (118) complaints were received via email in the 2014/2015 financial year.

(2) Two hundred and one (201) inspections were scheduled and conducted during the 2014/2015 financial year to assess compliance with the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 through monitoring of authorisations.

(3) Refer to the table below for the figures for each region and sector.

	Limpopo	Gauteng	Northern Cape	Eastern Cape	Western Cape	Free State	KZN	North West	Mpu
Mine	20	12	13	1	0	7	7	0	59
Industry	3	10	1	2	2	0	2	0	2
Agriculture	1	11	0	2	25	0	4	0	1
SFRA	0	1	0	0	9	0	4	0	11
Total	24	25	14	5	36	7	17	0	73
									201

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO 1228

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)

1228. Mrs Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) Whether the dam situated in Riebeek East in Makana Municipality falls within her department's area of responsibility; if not, who is responsible for the dam; if so, what are the details of (a) her department’s responsibilities in relation to the dam and (b) her department’s plans for the dam;

(2) with reference to the ongoing water problems in Makana Municipality, what plan does her department have in place to ensure that residents receive a safe, sufficient and uninterrupted water supply;

(3) has her department entered into a contract with Amathole Water to assist Makana Municipality to resolve its water challenges; if so, what are the details of the contract;

(4) (a) what amount of money did her department transfer to Makana Municipality in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) for what purpose;

(5) with reference to waste water treatment in Makana Municipality, what plans does her department have to (a) upgrade the Belmont Valley Waste Water Treatment Plant, (b) build additional capacity for the treatment of sewerage and (c) maintain and repair existing infrastructure? NW1435E

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REPLY:

(1) No, the small dam at Riebeek East is not a Departmental dam and the small size does not require it to be classified. The land owner is responsible for the dam. The town receives water from ground water sources via two municipal boreholes.

(2) My department is participating fully in an Inter-governmental plan to restore effective water services to the residents of Makana Local Municipality (LM). There is both a High Level and Technical Task Teams responding to the Water Crisis Intervention Project. This project is ensuring the following:

Bulk water services are effectively managed and operated in Makana LM, through a service level agreement between Makana LM and Amatola Water Board;
Refurbishment of the rising mains and the water reticulation system to reduce failures and water leaks;
Prompt repairs to water pumps and motors at all water pump stations, particularly the high lift pumps;
Purchase and install additional (stand by) pump sets at both the high lift pump stations of Howisons Poort Pump Station and James Kleinhans Pump station to ensure sufficient redundancy in pumping capacity;

Refurbish existing and install new additional, alternate electricity power line (Howisons Poort Pump Station);
Repair and refurbishment of the Water Treatment Works to ensure optimum operation;
Improve water conservation & demand management and metering through the Accelerated Municipal Infrastructure Program (ACIP);
Construction of new clear water storage reservoir for ward 12 in Grahamstown;
Improved communication between Authorities and the Communities served; and
Feasibility study for extension of James Kleinhans Water Treatment Works (WTW) and pump station to increase the supply of treated water to Grahamstown for future needs - Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) project committed.

(3) No, the five (5) year contract with the Amatola Water Board is between Makana LM and Amatola Water. The contract is for the Amatola Water Board to operate and manage the raw water abstraction infrastructure, the water treatment works and the bulk potable water supply infrastructure in all the towns in Makana LM. My Department has only used the Amatola Water Board as the Implementing Agent (IA) for the initial rapid response interventions.

(4) No money was transferred to Makana LM.

(5)(a) The Department allocated R2.5 million for the Makana Waste Water Infrastructure Refurbishment: Belmont Valley/ Mayfield and Alicedale Waste Water Treatment Works but has managed to do only maintenance and repairs.

(5)(b) A Business plan to build additional capacity for the treatment of sewerage has been prepared for Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funding; in addition the Eastern Cape Development Trust has committed an allocation of R100 Million for refurbishment work.

(5)(c) The following maintenance and repairs were done to Belmont Valley Waste Water Treatment Works:

Repairs to trickling filters, refurbishment of sludge drying beds; repair and where applicable replacement of inflow and outflow meters to allow for inflow and outflow measurements;
purchasing of testing equipment; repairs to pump stations; and
purchasing of Manhole covers; refurbishment of electrical works including a three (3) day training and capacity building programme for three (3) process controllers and general workers on general waste water treatment processes.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO 1209

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)

1209. Mrs Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 438 on 19 March 2015, (a) what is the (i) job category and (ii) post classification of each vacancy in her department, (b) for how long has each of these positions been vacant, (c) what is the reason for each vacancy and (d) when will each of these vacancies be filled;

(2) will she undertake to fill the vacant posts with South African citizens; if not, what is the position in this regard? NW1415E

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REPLY:

(1) A new proclamation (No 43 of 2014) to establish the Department of Water and Sanitation was signed on 08 July 2014.

(2) All vacancies will be assessed and filled on the basis of the new mandate of the department.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO 1206

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)

1206. Ms T Gqada (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

Whether she is aware of the fact that the people of Msobomvu in the Mnquma Municipality in the Eastern Cape do not have drinking water or flush toilets; if not, will she investigate; if so, has she taken any steps to address the matter? NW1411E

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REPLY:

This area has both water and sanitation infrastructure in place. The Amathole District Municipality is currently busy with a pipe replacement project in the area and this may have affected water supply and sanitation services to individual houses during the course of construction, but these would have been isolated events not lasting longer than a day or two. Ongoing communication will be strengthened so that communities are better prepared.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1204

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)

1204. Mr L J Basson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) In which municipalities are the estimated 127 000 bucket toilets in informal settlements;

(2) how many bucket toilets are there in respect of each municipality;

(3) what is the (a) timeframe and (b) cost of replacing these bucket toilets? NW1409E

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REPLY

The buckets in informal settlements are located in the provinces appearing in the table below. The Department is in a process to verifying and assessing all buckets in informal settlements by province and municipality. However it should be noted that with the proliferation of informal settlements, households utilizing the bucket toilets as a form of sanitation is a moving target hence backlog is not constant.

	NO OF SETTLEMENTS	NO OF HOUSEHOLDS
Eastern Cape	50	23 958
Western Cape	62	59 932
Gauteng	TBC
KwaZulu Natal	TBC
Limpopo	6
Northern Cape	TBC	5 350
North West	TBC	4 150
Free State	TBC	46 758
Mpumalanga	TBC
Total	118	140 148
TBC- To be confirmed with municipalities.

(2) A preliminary figure is provided in the table above.

(3) The timeframe and cost will be communicated once all provinces have confirmed.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO 1202

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)

1202. Mr L J Basson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) What are the details of the 229 funded (a) bulk water supply and (b) wastewater infrastructure projects managed by her department;

(2) (a) at what stage of project lifecycle is each project and (b) when will each specified project be completed? NW1407E

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REPLY:

Since inception, the Department has funded 188 bulk projects not 229. The table below outlines the breakdown of the 188:

Projects	Numbers of projects
Bulk Water under construction	63
Bulk wastewater under construction	14
Bulk Water in design/tender stage	12
Bulk waste water in design/tender stage	3
Feasibility studies	47
Completed projects	49
TOTAL	188

(2) Please refer to Annexure A for projects in implementation phase.

see the link: /files/RNW1202A-150410.xlsx

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 1162

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)

1162. Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(a) How many sick leave days were taken by employees of her department in the 2013-14 financial year and (b) what was the total cost thereof in rand? NW1363E

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REPLY:

(a) The number of sick leave days taken by employees in the 2013-14 financial year is 32 600.

(b) The total cost thereof was R32 779 544.43

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO 1093

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)

1093. Mr A R McLoughlin (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

What amount did (a) her department and (b) entities reporting to her spend on advertising in The New Age newspaper in the (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13 and (iii) 2013-14 financial years? NW1258E

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REPLY:

Refer to the table below for the amount spent on advertising in The New Age newspaper.

	2011-12 financial years	2012-13 financial years	2013-14 financial years
The Department	R 0.00	R 0.00	R 21 392.10
The Entities	R 0.00	R 0.00	R 0.00

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 1078

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9)

1078. Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

Whether she has taken any steps to ensure that schools do not close due to the lack of water; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW1243E

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REPLY:

Requesting that the Honorable Member refer the question to the Department of Education (DBE) and the Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) which would be in a better position to respond to the steps to ensure that schools do not close due to the lack of water.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO 1059

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

1059. The Leader of the Opposition (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

Was (a) she or (b) her department made aware of any irregularities in the awarding of the R631 million sanitation services tender to a certain group (name furnished) by the Amathole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape; if so, (i) on what date and (ii) what steps has (aa) she or (bb) her department taken in dealing with this situation? NW1219E

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REPLY:

No, neither I nor the Department have been made aware of any irregularities in the awarding of the R631 million sanitation services tender.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 1035

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

1035. Ms Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) What are the (a) relevant details and (b) relevant dates of all steps that have been taken to facilitate and ensure the effective functioning of her department’s compliance monitoring and enforcement since its establishment;

(2) what are the relevant details of (a) all steps taken and (b) all steps to be taken, to address the substantial vacancies in her compliance and monitoring department;

(3) what are the relevant details regarding the (a) appointment, (b) training and (c) designation of all current inspectors who will conduct compliance monitoring and enforcement;

(4) what plans, if any, are in place to publish results of compliance monitoring and enforcement? NW1195E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) The Department established the Directorate: Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (D: CME) in 2009 with staff complement of six (6). In 2010 the organizational structure was then developed and approved with twenty nine (29) posts. In the same financial year the Department recruited and appointed fifteen (15) officials to capacitate the unit. In April 2014 the D: CME was strengthened by elevating it to a Chief Directorate and the functions were also split into two, namely: Chief Directorate: Compliance Monitoring (CD: CM) and Chief Directorate: Enforcement (CD: E). My Department cascaded the replica structure from National level to Provincial level in order to ensure effective functioning of my Department’s Water Sector Regulation Branch. My Department has also established strong informal partnerships with other Enforcement Agencies whilst a Memorandum of Understanding is being finalised.

(1)(b) In January 2015 the two established Catchment Management Agencies in the Breede-Gouritz and Inkomati water management areas were delegated the power to issue directives which places the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CME) functions closest to the water users. An enforcement case management system is operational allowing the uploading and tracking of cases of non-compliant or alleged unlawful users throughout the process. In 2015/16 this system will be enhanced enabling the uploading of compliance inspections and audit reports as well as self-monitoring reports from users. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Eskom have also signed a Joint Action Plan in December 2014 to manage Eskom Coal Suppliers in terms of authorisation and compliance.

(2)(a) Whilst my Department still has a moratorium in place on the filling of posts, some vacancies have been filled through appointments of graduate trainees from the DWS learning academy.

(2)(b) Critical vacancies are being prioritised for recruitment and selection. Focus will be on obtaining correctly skilled personnel for the Catchment Management Agencies and Proto-Catchment Management Agencies where the majority of these functions will be exercised.

(3)(a) There are currently twenty nine (29) technical officials employed at Compliance Monitoring; twenty three (23) staff members employed at Enforcement and sixty six (66) technical officials employed within the DWS Regional Offices performing both Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement.

(3)(b) Seventeen (17) officials have received Environmental Management Inspectors (EMI) training from Environmental Affairs. The training offered as part of EMI training is not wholly suited to the needs of DWS; and the Department of Environmental Affairs has limited capacity to also offer training to DWS officials. Training material is being adapted and will be offered by DWS to its officials.

(3)(c) No officials have been designated under the National Environmental Management Act. DWS is in the process of amending the National Water Act to allow for designation of water management inspectors.

(4) The Department plans to publish the first annual report for Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement for the financial year 2013/14 in the financial year 2015.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 957

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

957. Ms T E Baker (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) What is the national shortage of process controllers at wastewater treatment plants around the country;

(2) how many process controllers were employed at wastewater treatment plants around the country (a) at the end of the 2013-14 financial year and (b) as at the latest specified date for which information is available;

(3) whether any provinces have training or learnership programmes in place to address the critical shortage of process controllers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1115E

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REPLY:

(1) The risk rating associated with process control is at 2.9, this is indicative that municipalities are struggling to comply with the required level of skilled personnel in the plants. However it must be noted that there are warm bodies present at the plant, the challenge is on skilled process controllers.

(2) The role of the Department of Water and Sanitation is to register process controllers on the National Database according to Regulation 2834. Currently there are 4111 process controllers registered on the Green Drop System.

(3) There is training of process controllers currently being undertaken in the Free State under the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) project in partnership with Motheo FET College. EWSETA provided funding to Motheo FET and Aurecon was then appointed by Motheo FET as the training provider to train 502 unemployed youths. There is also Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) training underway nationally to train employed and unemployed process controllers in municipalities. Northern Cape completed the training and they trained 72 process controllers.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO 956

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

956. Ms T E Baker (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) In which year was the last national survey of wastewater treatment plants carried out;

(2) (a) how many plants were surveyed in the last survey and (b) in which (i) municipality and (ii) province are they situated;

(3) What aspects of the wastewater treatment plants were evaluated?

(4) whether any plants were listed as requiring intervention as a result of these evaluations; if so, (a)(i) how many and (ii) how many received assistance, (b) what form of assistance did they receive and (c) have any follow-up inspections been carried out to assess progress? NW1114E

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REPLY:

(1) The survey was conducted in 2012/2013.

(2)(a) Eight hundred and twenty four (824) municipal owned plants were evaluated.

(2)(b) This is a national survey covering all the Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) in all nine provinces.

(3) The following aspects were evaluated:

Key Performance Area	Weight
Process Control & Maintenance Skills	10%
Monitoring Programme	15%
Submission of Results	5%
Effluent Quality Compliance	30%
Risk Management	15%
Local Regulation	5%
Treatment Capacity	5%
Asset Management	15%

(4)(a)(i) 248 WWTWs were listed as requiring intervention.

(4)(a)(ii) Refer to Annexure A for the number of WWTW that received intervention.

(4)(b) Refer to Annexure A for the type of intervention received by the WWTW.

(4)(c) Refer to Annexure A for the follow-up inspection carried out to assess progress.

See the link for AnnexureA: /files/RNW956A-150424.docx

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 955

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

955. Ms T E Baker (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(a) How many municipalities achieved the 2014 Presidential targets for wastewater quality and (b)(i) what are their names and (ii) where are they situated? NW1113E

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REPLY:

(a) There are 38 Municipalities that achieved the 2014 presidential targets.

(b) The Table below indicates the names of the Municipalities and where they are situated in terms of the Provinces.

Name of the Province	Name of the Water Services Authority
Eastern Cape	Buffalo City Metropolitan Chris Hani District municipality Joe Gqabi District Municipality Makana Local Municipality Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan
Free State	Maluti a Phofung
Gauteng	City of Johannesburg Metropolitan City of Tshwane Metropolitan Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Emfuleni Local Municipality Lesedi Local Municipality Merafong City Local Municipality Midvaal Local Municipality
KwaZulu-Natal	Amajuba District municipality eThekwini Municipality Metropolitan iLembe District municipality Newcastle Sisonke District municipality Ugu District municipality UMgungundlovu District municipality uMhlathuze Zululand District municipality
Mpumalanga	Mbombela Local Municipality Nkomazi Local Municipality
North West	Tlokwe City Local Municipality
Northern Cape	Kgatelopele Local Municipality Tsantsabane Local Municipality
Western Cape	Beaufort West Local Municipality Bergrivier Local Municipality Bitou Local Municipality Breede Valley Local Municipality City of Cape Town Metropolitan George Local Municipality Knysna Local Municipality Mossel Bay Local Municipality Overstrand Local Municipality Swartland Local Municipality Witzenberg Local Municipality

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 904

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

904. Dr H C Volmink (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

What amount was spent by (a) her department and (b) state entities reporting to her on (i) tickets and (ii) sponsorships on The New Age Breakfast Briefings for the last three financial years? NW1053E

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REPLY:

(a) The Department did not spend any amount on tickets and sponsorships.

(b) The Department’s entities did not spend any amount on tickets and sponsorships.

(b)(ii) However, the Department hosted The New Age Breakfast Briefings in the last three financial years.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 869

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8)

869. Mrs Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) Whether her department or the entities reporting to her provides any type of sponsorships; if not, what is her department’s position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the details of each sponsorship, (b) what is the value of each sponsorship, (c) when were each of these sponsorship deals undertaken and (d) when will each of the sponsorship deals end;

(2) whether her department or any of the entities reporting to her intends to enter into any type of sponsorship deal or contract in the (a) 2015-16 and (b) 2016-17 financial years; if not, why not; if so, (i) with whom will each sponsorship deal or contract be made, (ii) what will the terms of each of the sponsorship deals or contracts be, (iii) when will each of the sponsorship deals or contracts (aa) commence and (bb) end and (iv) what is the value of each of the sponsorship deals or contracts? NW1018E

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REPLY:

(1) No, my Department did not provide any type of sponsorship. Refer to Annexure A for provided sponsorship by the Entities.

(2) No, my Department has no intention to enter into any type of sponsorship in the (a) 2015-16 and 2016-17 financial years. Refer to Annexure B for the intention for sponsorship by the Entities.

Annexure A

Refer to the Table below for the type of sponsorship provided by the Entities

Entity	Response
Amatola Water	(a) 14000 Purified bottled water, 3 water tanks and a container at Coveridge Primary School, (b) R 133 000.00, (c) 2014/15 FY, (d) Once off.
Bloem Water	(a) School Uniform, Groceries, Fridge, Freezer, Blankets, Mattresses, Devils Fork Fence and Bursaries, (b) R 350 000.00, (c) 2014/15 FY, (d) Once off.
Lepelle Northern Water	(a) SA Youth Water Prize Winners, PLK Executive Mayor Annual Charity Golf Day, Sekhukhune Municipality Annual Charity Golf Day and SALGA Finance Week, (b) R 341 200.00, (c) 2014/15 FY, (d) Once off.
Magalies Water	(a) None, (b) None, (c) 2014/15 FY, (d) None.
Mhlathuze Water	(a) National Water Week, Arbor Day, Weed Buster Week, Environmental Day, Sanitation Week, Aids Day, Coastal Clean-up Day, Mandela Day and Community Based Organisations, (b) R 160 000.00 (c) 2014/15 FY (d) Once off.
Overberg Water	(a) None, (b) None, (c) 2014/15 FY, (d) None.
Rand Water	(a) 23 Sponsorships, (b) R 4 080 200.70, (c) 2014/15 FY, (d) Once off.
Sedibeng Water	(a) 51 Sponsorships, (b) R 1 660 024.46, (c) 2013/14 FY, (d) Once off.
Umgeni Water	(a) 28 Sponsorships, (b) R 258 885, 40, (c) 2014/15 FY, (d) Once off.
TCTA	(a) 9 Sponsorships, (b) R 335 645.00, (c) 2013/14/15 FY, (d) Once off.
Water Research Commission	(a) 12 Sponsorships, (b) R 475 640.00 (c) 2014/15 FY, (d) Once off.
Inkomati-Usuthu CMA	(a) None, (b) None, (c) 2014/15 FY, (d) None.
Breede Gouritz CMA	(a) None, (b) None, (c) 2014/15 FY, (d) None.

Annexure B

Refer to the Table below for the intended of sponsorship by the Entities:

Entity	Response
Amatola Water	(a) None, (b) None, (b)(i) None, (b)(ii) None, (b)(iii)(aa) None, (b)(iii)(bb) None, (b)(iv) None.
Bloem Water	(a) None, (b) None, (b)(i) None, (b)(ii) None, (b)(iii)(aa) None, (b)(iii)(bb) None, (b)(iv) None.
Lepelle Northern Water	(a) Yes, (b) Yes, (b)(i) Sekhukhune District Municipality, Polokwane and Mogalakwena Local Municipalities. (b)(ii) Support the Municipalities in cost recovery and they in turn maintain their payments for the bulk services provided, (b)(iii) Supporting Sekhukhune in school sanitation and other Municipalities in Water Demand Management and Rural cost recovery models, (aa) July 2015, (bb) June 2017, (b)(iv) Mogalakwena LM – R 1 million, Polokwane LM – R 2 million and Sekhukhune DM – R 500 000.00.
Magalies Water	(a) None, (b) None, (b)(i) None, (b)(ii) None, (b)(iii)(aa) None, (b)(iii)(bb) None, (b)(iv) None.
Mhlathuze Water	(a) None, (b) None, (b)(i) None, (b)(ii) None, (b)(iii)(aa) None, (b)(iii)(bb) None, (b)(iv) None.
Overberg Water	(a) None, (b) None, (b)(i) None, (b)(ii) None, (b)(iii)(aa) None, (b)(iii)(bb) None, (b)(iv) None.
Rand Water	(a) None, (b) None, (b)(i) None, (b)(ii) None, (b)(iii)(aa) None, (b)(iii)(bb) None, (b)(iv) None.
Sedibeng Water	(a) None, (b) None, (b)(i) None, (b)(ii) None, (b)(iii)(aa) None, (b)(iii)(bb) None, (b)(iv) None.
Umgeni Water	(a) None, (b) None, (b)(i) None, (b)(ii) None, (b)(iii)(aa) None, (b)(iii)(bb) None, (b)(iv) None.
TCTA	(a) None, (b) None, (b)(i) None, (b)(ii) None, (b)(iii)(aa) None, (b)(iii)(bb) None, (b)(iv) None.
Water Research Commission	(a) None, (b) None, (b)(i) None, (b)(ii) None, (b)(iii)(aa) None, (b)(iii)(bb) None, (b)(iv) None.
Inkomati-Usuthu CMA	(a) None, (b) None, (b)(i) None, (b)(ii) None, (b)(iii)(aa) None, (b)(iii)(bb) None, (b)(iv) None.
Breede Gouritz CMA	(a) None, (b) None, (b)(i) None, (b)(ii) None, (b)(iii)(aa) None, (b)(iii)(bb) None, (b)(iv) None.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 619

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 06 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 5)

619. Ms T E Baker (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

With regard to the Bucket Eradication programme, (a) how many toilets were built in each province against the targeted number in the 2013-14 financial year and (b) what was the cost thereof? NW700E

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REPLY:

At the end of the 2013 –14 financial year, the toilets constructed in this programme were as follows:

PROVINCE	TARGET DELIVERY
Eastern Cape	57
Free State	3806
Northern Cape	530
Total	4393

(b) The cost thereof was as follows:

PROVINCE	TARGET DELIVERY
Eastern Cape	R5.5 m
Free State	R27.7 m
Northern Cape	R21.7m
Total	R54.9 million

QUESTION NO 804

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 7)

804. Ms C N Majeke (UDM) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

Whether she has any practical programmes and time frames in place for the provision of water to the Mhlontlo Local Municipality, in particular the town of Qumbu which has not had water for the past two months; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW954E

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REPLY:

Yes, recent water outages at Qumbu have been experienced due to the demand that exceeds the current water supply infrastructure that service the town area and surrounding villages. This was exacerbated recently by load shedding and therefore making it more difficult for storage reservoirs to recover to the expected levels. In addition, the frequent outages have led to some failures in the pump system.

The immediate intervention included water carting as a means of augmentation whenever these outages occur. This is coupled with communication through the Portfolio Head: Infrastructure in the Mhlontlo LM by the Water Services Authority within the O.R. Tambo District Municipality.

In November 2014, the municipality refurbished three (3) boreholes in town to act as standby or backup of which one is functional. The Department’s Provincial Office has deployed its rapid response team to provide hands-on technical expertise to ensure functionality of all boreholes and will ensure that a reliable interim supply is provided until the permanent solution is completed.

The permanent solution is the supply of additional water from Sidwadweni Regional Water Supply Scheme which is currently being upgraded. The source development will include a new packaged WTW of 5 Ml/day capacity which will release an additional 1 Ml/day to Qumbu town. The expected completion period of this project is September 2017.

The recent completion of the Cengcane Dam will enable the upgrade of the Upper Culunca WTW to supply more rural villages and are currently planned over the MTEF period.

The complete eradication of backlogs and future demands will be achieved on the completition of the Ntabelanga Dam, and will supply 95% of the area while the remaining 5% will be supplied from the Mthatha Dam Regional Scheme.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 693

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 7)

693. Mrs Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 358 on 3 March 2015, she can provide the results of each month’s water quality test done at the Zongesien Waste Water Treatment Works since 7 July 2014; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW840E

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REPLY:

The water quality results for Zongesien Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) are tabulated below; these variables are often above the acceptable limits. The variables are often above the acceptable limits because the WWTW is operating above its design capacity. This therefore means the WWTW is unable to handle the extra load which results in partial treatment of waste water. Once the plant is fully functional, there will be improvement in effluent quality from the WWTW.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 685

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 7)

685. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

Has a water license been granted to Resource Generation Ltd (ResGen) for the development and operation of its Boikarabelo Coal Project (details furnished); if so, what water source will be used by ResGen for the execution of this project? NW832E

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REPLY:

No, a water use license was not granted to Resource Generation Ltd, however a water use license was issued to Ledjadja Coal (Pty) Ltd (of which ResGen Africa Holdings Ltd is a shareholder) on 26 April 2012 for the taking of 2 129 470 m3 of water from groundwater for the Boikarabelo Coal Mine.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 618

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 06 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 5)

618. Ms T E Baker (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) (a) How many villages have access to water in Bushbuck Ridge in Mpumalanga and (b) what are the names and locations of these villages;

(2) (a) what are the names and (b) locations of villages which will be provided access to water by the end of the (i) 2014-15 and (ii) 2015-16 financial years? NW699E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) 149.

(1)(b) All villages are supplied by various schemes in Mpumalanga:

(2) Water related projects are multi-year projects and will be realised by the end of the 2015/16 financial year

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO 615

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 06 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 5)

615. Ms Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) (a) What is the cost of the Mokolo Crocodile Water Augmentation Project that will supply water to the Medupi Power Station and (b) did the National Treasury issue a guarantee for the specified project;

(2) whether the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority managed to raise funds to build the pipeline; if so, what (a) is the amount, (b) are the loan conditions and (c) is the loan period;

(3) has an environmental impact assessment been done; if not, (a) why not, and (b) when will it be done; if so, when (i) was it started and (ii) will it be completed;

(4) when will the project (a) start, (b) be completed and (c)(i) what factors caused the project to be (i) delayed and (ii) what are the relevant details in this regard;

(5) how will the transfer of water out of the Crocodile River (a) impact on the (i) Hartebeespooort Dam and (ii) Roodekopjes Dam and (b) affect farmers who have water rights from the specified river and dams, respectively? NW696E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) The Mokolo and Crocodile Water Augmentation Project, which will supply Medupe Power Station (MCWAP-1 & 2) is estimated at R 13 406 million.

(1)(b) Yes, an implicit guarantee was issued by the National Treasury for MCWAP-1 to cover the commercial funding.

(2) Yes, an amount of R2 000 million is approved until 31 March 2017 noting that the social component (25%) is covered by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). Debt is payable over a period of 20 years after commissioning.

(3) Yes, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) was done and culminated in Environmental Authorisation granted on 3 December 2010.

(4)(a) Construction started on 14 September 2011.

(4)(b) Ready for operation by 8 October 2015 after which refurbishment of the existing pipe will proceed.

(4)(c) Delays were due to severe flooding (1: 20 year flood) in project area experienced in 2014, slow pipe laying progress (contractor’s risk) and labour issues (strikes).

(5)(a)(i) The Hartbeespoort Dam currently has surplus water, thus the transfer will not affect users from the dam. The operating level of the dam will fluctuate as per seasonal rains.

(5)(a)(ii)The Roodekopjes Dam in this instance will convey water released from the Hartbeespoort Dam to Lephalale, the current storage of the dam will be left for the current users.

(5)(b) The water needs and entitlements of users, including farmers, in the Crocodile River West catchment have been fully accounted for in assessing the availability of water transfer towards Lephalale. This is documented in the Crocodile River West Reconciliation Strategy.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 612

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 06 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 5)

612. Mr L J Basson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) (a) How many Cuban water engineers have been contracted by her department to work in the country, (b) what is each one’s specialisation and (c) where will each one be deployed;

(2) (a) how long will these engineers be contracted for, (b) what will be the total cost of contracting each engineer and (c) from which of her department’s programmes will they be paid;

(3) did she consult any (a) engineering associations or (b) other stakeholders before the decision was made to contract the Cuban engineers; if not, why not; if so, (i) who did she consult, (ii) when was each consultation done and (iii) what was the outcome of each consultation;

(4) did her department make any attempt to recruit local engineers before the Cuban engineers were contracted; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of each attempt;

(5) whether she is aware that the engineering skills of Cuban engineers are not recognised by the Engineering Council of South Africa as they are not part of the Washington Accord which governs international engineering qualifications; if not, why not; if so, why was no regard given to this fact? NW693E

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REPLY:

(1) 35.

(2) As per the needs that could not be satisfied by locals for reasons unknown to the

department.

(3) They are deployed according to the programme needs of the department.

(4) Yes.

4.1 There were few responses and in some cases no responses at all

4.2 In some cases applicants were registered as candidates and not technicians

4.3 In other cases there were requests for higher remuneration outside of the levels provided for by the DPSA

(5) The Engineering Council of South Africa has been part of the process and it formed part of the delegation to Cuba. SAQA did conduct an evaluation of the qualifications of the Cuban Specialists. The Washington Accord came into being under a hostile relationship between Cuba and the United States of America, so the Cubans would automatically not be covered on the basis of the accord. However, Cuban specialists continue to render their services even in other countries other than South Africa.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 611

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 06 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 5)

611. Mr L J Basson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) Has her department ever conducted tests on the water quality of the Wonderfonteinspruit canal in the West Rand Goldfields which pollutes the Upper Wonderfonteinspruit; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date was the last test done, (b) what were the results regarding the levels of (i) sulphate, (ii) manganese, (iii) aluminium, (iv) uranium and (v) iron and (c) can she provide a copy of the test results;

(2) Is her department enforcing section 19 in terms of the National Water Act, 36 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of (a) each directive given and (b) costs recovered in the past 36 months? NW692E

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REPLY:

(1) No, my Department has not conducted tests to determine the water quality within the Wonderfonteinspruit “canal”. The canal is not a natural watercourse of the Wonderfonteinspruit system and based on composite protracted water quality data and water resource management interventions for this specific area, the canal and other proximal attendant hydrological factors have not caused any substantial decline in the water quality of the Wonderfonteinspruit to warrant specific testing of the water in the canal.

The canal serves an interim measure to divert clean storm-water into the Wonderfonteinspruit and prevent such water from being polluted by surrounding activities. Further, the canal prevents inundation of an adjacent pollution control dam, which if inundated, may cause water pollution and/ or public safety risks due to the dam exceeding its supply volume.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, my Department does conduct water quality monitoring at various points along the Wonderfonteinspruit, which is indicative of the representative water quality of the Wonderfonteinspruit resource. At a specific monitoring point downstream of the canal, the following is relevant:

(1)(a) The last water sample was collected on 03 December 2014.

(1)(b) Water quality results are presented in Table 1.

Table 1

Parameter	Result	Limit (discharge to environment)
Sulphate	488 mg/L	1000 mg/L
Manganese	5.3 mg/L	< 10 mg/L
Aluminium	not tested	Not applicable
Uranium	not tested	70 µg/L
Iron	< 0.02 mg/L	< 1.0 mg/L

(1)(c) A copy of test results is attached (Annexure A). /files/RNW611A-150324.pdf

(2) Yes, my Department does enforce Section 19 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) to ensure that pollution or potential pollution incidents do not have a detrimental impact on the water resources.

(2)(a) In the past three financial years, several notices of intention to issue a directive and/ or Section 19 directives were issued to various parties for pollution/ potential pollution incidents as per Table 2.

Table 2

Party issued with Notice/ Section 19 directive	Date issued	Reason for issuing Notice/ Section 19 directive	Response
Notice issued to Mintails SA	23 January 2014	Potential water pollution due to mining-impacted water flowing into a water resource and tailings spillages with potential to impact on ground- and surface water.	Mintails SA provided an action plan to eradicate and mitigate pollution impacts. The Department is monitoring the implementation of the action plan.
Notice issued to Merafong City Local Municipality	23 February 2015	Sewage pollution impacts associated with their Kokosi Waste Water Treatment plant. A dysfunctional major sewer line in Khutsong Township resulting in loss of raw sewage to the environment (groundwater pollution).	Merafong City Local Municipality furnished an action plan to implement remedial measures whilst simultaneously affecting the necessary engineering works to address the pollution impacts. The Department is monitoring the implementation of the action plan.
Directive issued to Merafong City Local Municipality	02 March 2015	The directive was subsequently issued to ensure that the Municipality adheres to the commitments made in the response to the Notice. The commitments were mitigation interventions to address the pollution impacts.	Merafong City Local Municipality furnished an action plan to implement remedial measures whilst simultaneously effecting the necessary engineering works to address the pollution impacts. The Department is monitoring the implementation of the action plan.

(2)(b) Cost recovery has not applied in the past 36 months as in each case, the parties have co-operated with the requirements of the notices/ Section 19 directives.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 610

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 06 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 5)

610. Mr L J Basson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) With regard to the World Bank loan for the construction of the Medupi power station which stipulates that the power station must be fitted with flue gas desulphurisation, what will the increase of water usage be in respect of the initial design due to the incorporation of this requirement;

(2) what volume of water will be used from the Crocodile River to comply with this requirement;

(3) whether she has established what the impact of the increased water usage will be on farmers who have water use licenses for the (a) Hartbeespoort Dam and (b) Crocodile River; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW691E

REPLY:

(1) Eskom advised the Department of Water and Sanitation that the water requirements of Medupi Power Station without and with flue gas desulpherisation (FGD) would be 6 million m3/annum and 15,4 million m3/annum respectively.

(2) Eskom has a licence to abstract 10,9 million m3/annum from Mokolo Dam for Medupi. The balance of 4,5 million m3/annum must be supplied from Crocodile River West. However, the Department of Water and Sanitation intends to operate Phases 1 and 2A of the Mokolo and Crocodile River West Water Augmentation Project (MCWAP-1 and MCWAP-2A), as a system when MCWAP-2A is commissioned. The supply from the Crocodile River to Medupi may therefore increase depending on operational requirements.

(3) The water needs and entitlements of all users, including farmers, in the Crocodile River West catchment (both (a) the Hartbeespoort Dam and (b) users next to the Crocodile River and its tributaries), have been fully accounted for in assessing the availability of water for transfer towards Lephalale. This is documented in the Crocodile River West Reconciliation Strategy.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 542

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 06 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 5)

542. Mrs Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

Whether any employees in her department have been on suspension with full salary since 1 January 2014; if so, (a) how many employees and (b) what is the total cost thereof? NW622E

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REPLY:

(a) There are currently twelve (12) employees on suspension with full salary since 1 January 2014.

(b) The total thereof is R2 903 019.50.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO 526

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 06 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 5)

526. Prof B Bozzoli (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

With reference to the announcement made by the President in the State of the Nation address on 12 February 2015, to train 15 000 artisans or plumbers who will be deployed to fix leaking taps in their local communities, (a) what are the timeframes of the targets, (b) where will the artisans be trained, (c) through which institutions will they be trained and (d)(i) what are the amounts budgeted for in each financial year and (ii) under which line item of the department’s budget will it be funded? NW606E

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REPLY:

(a) Timeframe of the project is five years from the financial year 2015/16 to 2019/20.

(b) The artisans and plumbers will be trained at the public ‎technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges based on the unicipalities with high water losses and non-revenue water in all the nine provinces.

(d)(i) The amount budgeted for the training of 15000 plumbers and artisans for the 2015/16 cycle is R 650 million.

(d)(ii) The Programme will be funded under Programme 2, Sub-programme Integrated Water Planning, and Line Item Water Use Efficiency.

Reply received: April 2015

QUESTION NO 481

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 06 MARCH 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 5)

481. Dr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:†

(1) Whether, in the light of her department’s Zero Tolerance Campaign whereby the dumping of sewage will not be tolerated, her department has taken any steps against the Matlosana Municipality, who have admitted that they are dumping untreated sewage in the Vaal River because the sewage treatment farms are out of commission; if not, why not; if so, when;

(2) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW559E

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REPLY:

Yes, my Department has taken steps against the Matlosana Municipality for dumping untreated sewage in the Vaal River because the sewage treatment farms are out of commission. My Department through the Free State Provincial Office inspected the Klerksdorp Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) on 20 November 2014. Thereafter, a non-compliance letter was issued to the Municipality on 8 December 2014 to correct the situation (refer attached Annexure A see the link /files/RNW481-150409_Annexure_A.pdf).

The Orkney and Stilfontein WWTW were also inspected on 11 December 2014 and the investigation revealed that indeed they were also not complying. Non- compliance letters for both WWTW were issued to the Municipality on 8 January 2015 to correct the situation (refer attached Annexure B see the link /files/RNW481-150409_Annexure_B.pdf).

A follow up meeting was held on 25 February 2015 with the Municipality to discuss the problems at the Municipality. A response together with an Action Plan to address the problem was received from the Municipality on 4 March 2015 (refer attached Annexure C see the link /files/RNW481-150409_Annexure_C.pdf

(2) No statement will be issued at this point as work is still in progress and the Municipality is very cooperative in resolving the problems.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 468

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 FEBRUARY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 4)

468. Mrs Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) (a)(i) How many successful criminal actions have been brought against water users since the inception of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 and (ii) what are the relevant details in each case and (b)(i) how many criminal actions in terms of the Act are pending at this time and (ii) what are the relevant details in each case;

(2) what steps does her department need to take before taking action against a (a) municipality or (b) municipal official in terms of the Act? NW546E

REPLY:

(1)(a)(i) Six (6) cases have been successfully prosecuted since the inception of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998.

(1)(a)(ii) See Annexure A below for relevant details of each criminal case;

(1)(b)(i) Fifty six (56) criminal actions in terms of the Act are still pending at this time. Five (5) cases were Nolle prosequi;

(1)(b)(ii) See Annexure B below for cases that are still under investigation and pending decision by National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

(2)(a) In cases where the matter at hand involves the failure by the Municipality to perform its functions, the Department of Water and Sanitation takes the necessary steps as prescribed in Section 154(1) of the constitution. However, where there is a prima facie case of transgression or maladministration, the municipal accounting officer is notified and requested to institute remedial action that must include an action plan to remedy the transgression. Should the municipality fail to come up with a satisfactory action plan and or to implement its own action plan or resolve the matter, a Notice of intent to issue a directive will be served before a Directive is issued as per Section 19 or Section 41 of the National Water Act. If there is still non- compliance after all the necessary initiatives to provide support to the municipality fail, a final Notice of Non-compliance is then issued, with a copy to the National Prosecuting Authority and SALGA, followed by legal action against the Municipality.

(2)(b) The Department does not deal with individual persons.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 438

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 FEBRUARY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 4)

438. Mrs Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(a) Which posts in her department are vacant in the (i) highly skilled, (ii) highly skilled supervision and (iii) senior and top management levels and (b) in each case, what has been the duration of the vacancy? NW514E

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REPLY:

(a) Refer to table below for the number of vacant posts.

POST CLASSIFICATION	NUMBER OF VACANT POSTS	NUMBER OF POSTS FILLED	TOTAL NUMBER OF POSTS
(a)(i) Highly Skilled	96	412	508
(a)(ii) Highly Skilled Supervision	80	228	308
(a)(iii) Senior and Top Management	61	155	216

(b) Refer to table below for the duration of vacancies.

POST CLASSIFICATION	NUMBER OF VACANT POSTS	AVERAGE DURATION OF VACANCIES
(b)(i) Highly Skilled	96	16 Months
(b)(ii) Highly Skilled Supervision	80	16 Months
(b)(iii) Senior and Top Management	61	12 Months

Kindly note that the delay in the filling of vacant posts has been caused by the fact the Sanitation portfolio was brought to the Department to form one Department of Water and Sanitation.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 401

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 FEBRUARY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 4)

401. Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) Whether her department has begun to make progress on the 10-year plan announced on 16 April 2012 by the former Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa, to invest over R570 billion to pay for water resources infrastructure, water services and water conservation and demand management across national government departments, municipalities and the country’s existing 12 water boards; if not, why not; if so, what investments were being made to ensure that water supplies were guaranteed to function without major mishaps and collapse;

(2) whether she will make a statement on clean, stable and adequate water supply for the country over the next decade? NW476E

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REPLY:

(1) Yes, there is significant progress. The budget and grant allocations for water is used on development of water resources and refurbishment of aged water infrastructure. Comprehensive water services master plans are being developed for each priority District Municipality.

The Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant are the main programmes that are rolled out to accelerate water services. The Department in collaboration with National Government Departments, Municipalities and the country's existing 12 Water Boards is rolling out Water Conservation and Water Demand Management (WCWDM) Programme. The War on Leaks is the main sub programme of Water Conservation and WCWDM which aims at fixing the water leaks while creating employment for youth.

(2) A target of 90% reliable services by 2019 has been set by Cabinet. This implies that, the need to have adequate water supply over the next decade and beyond is already receiving our outmost attention and I will continue reminding South Africans to use water efficiently.

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Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 364

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 FEBRUARY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2)

364. Mrs Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) Whether she has had any engagement with Eskom about the impact of electricity cuts on (a) water supply systems and (b) wastewater treatment plants; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of these discussions;

(2) whether she has had any reports from water service authorities about the impact of Eskom’s electricity cuts on water supply systems; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of each report by a water service authority;

(3) whether she has put any measures in place to mitigate the risk of electricity cuts to (a) water supply systems and (b) wastewater treatment plants; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW392E

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REPLY:

I am a member of the Eskom Inter-Ministerial Committee (War Room) which seeks to address energy challenges facing the country, in respect of all affected sectors including water and sanitation.

Falls away.

Falls away.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 359

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 FEBRUARY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2)

359. Mr T Z Hadebe (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) Whether her department will assist the Mookgophong Municipality with (a) upgrading the municipality’s 14 boreholes, (b) maintaining the Frikkie Geyser Dam infrastructure, (c) replacing the dilapidated borehole pipeline, (d) training appropriate staff at the water plant and (e) repairing the burst bulk water main; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case;

(2) whether she will take action against the Municipality for polluting the Nylvlei River; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW387E

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REPLY:

(a) Yes, the Department of Water and Sanitation (the Department) has been assisting the Mookgophong Municipality with the equipping of boreholes at Nyl well field. The Department will further assist the municipality with the upgrading of Nyl well field, by drilling and equipping seven boreholes through the Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant, which will augment water supply to Mookgopong residents. The project will be implemented during the 2015/16 financial year.

(b) Yes, the Department has already assisted the municipality by installing two submersible pumps at Frikkie Geyser Dam.

(c) Yes, the Department has completed the project design to replace 11 kilometers of the 315mm diameter asbestos bulk water pipe lines through Accelerated Community Infrastructure Programme. The construction phase of the project will be implemented in the 2015/16 financial year.

(d) Yes, the Department has trained 9 pump operators in 2011/12 financial year. Subsequently to that, the municipality has submitted training needs to their Human Resource to train 21 pump operators in 2015/16 financial year.

(e) No, the Municipality has appointed a contractor through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), to replace the 250mm diameter asbestos bulk pipes with 355mm diameter Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride (Upvc) pipes from Frikkie Geyser Dam to the water purification works. The total length of the pipe is 6.9 kilometers. The first phase of the project is 2.3 kilometers which will be completed in April 2015 and the second phase which is 4.6 kilometers will be implemented in 2015/16 financial year.

(2) Yes, a Pre-Directive was issued to the Municipality on 15 July 2014 for polluting the Nylvlei River to which the Municipality responded on 25 July 2014 with an action plan towards resolving the pollution. Ongoing monitoring is being conducted to ensure that the action plan is implemented to prevent the recurrence of the pollution.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 358

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 FEBRUARY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2)

358. Mrs Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) (a) Why is the new waste water treatment plant at Zongesien in Lephalale Town, Limpopo, not in use and (b) when will it be commissioned;

(2) what was the (a) cost of building the waste water treatment plant and (b) how was the construction of the plant funded;

(3) whether she will take action against the Lephalale Municipality for polluting the river with untreated sewage; if not, why not; if so, (a) what action will she take and (b) when will she take such action? NW386E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) The Zongesien Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) is not in use because during commissioning some construction defects were identified and required to be attended to before using the plant.

(1)(b) To correct the defects, the Lephalale Local Municipality took a decision to appoint Independent Engineering Body to conduct full assessment of the infrastructure to ensure effective functionality of the WWTW. The Municipality is in the process of finalising the appointment of Independent Engineering Body.

(2)(a)The total cost for the building of waste water treatment plant was R14, 5 million.

(1)(b)The construction of the plant was funded through Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) programme.

(3) Yes action has been taken against the Lephalale Local Municipality for polluting the river with untreated sewage.

(3)(a) A notice dated 7 July 2014 was prepared and sent to the Lephalale Local Municipality to take all reasonable measures to prevent the pollution of water resources and rehabilitate the affected river system as provided in Section 19 of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998. This transgression was at the sewage oxidation ponds and the matter was resolved as the Municipality commenced with the disinfection of final effluent.

(3)(b) The Department is continuously conducting monthly inspection regarding compliance and a directive in terms of Section 19 of the National water Act will be issued, should it be found that pollution of water resource is continuing.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 356

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 FEBRUARY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2)

356. Mr L J Basson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) Whether she can explain why the construction of a second wastewater treatment plant in Thabazimbi was stopped; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) when was the construction stopped;

(2) (a) what amount was budgeted for the construction of the treatment plant and (b) what amount had been spent when construction stopped;

(3) who funded the project;

(4) (a) when will the treatment plant be completed and (b) what will the final cost of completion be;

(5) has her department taken any measures to ensure that samples taken from the current wastewater treatment plant test below an E.coli level of 1000/100ml; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will measures be implemented; if so, what are the relevant details? NW384E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) The project was funded by Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), Anglo American Platinum and Northam Platinum Limited. The project was stopped due to financial constraints which resulted to non-payment of service providers hence they pulled out of construction site.

(1)(b) The construction was stopped in April 2013.

(2)(a) The budgeted amount for the construction of the treatment plant was R 84.4 million.

(2)(b) The amount spent when the construction stopped was R 21 million.

(3) Refer to (1)(a) above.

(4)(a) It is anticipated that the project will be completed in June 2016.

(4)(b) The final cost of completion of the project will be R63 million.

(5)(a) No, the Department of Water and Sanitation did not take measures regarding samples taken at the wastewater treatment plant, because Thabazimbi Municipality had showed commitment by prioritising the upgrading of wastewater treatment plant to address the issue of over-capacity. The Municipality has further applied for a Water Use License in order to comply.

(5)(b) Measures would be taken if any non-compliance could be detected. The Department is supporting the Municipality to ensure compliance.

t-weight:normal'>Northern Cape

Kgatelopele Local Municipality

Tsantsabane Local Municipality

Western Cape

Beaufort West Local Municipality

Bergrivier Local Municipality

Bitou Local Municipality

Breede Valley Local Municipality

City of Cape Town Metropolitan

George Local Municipality

Knysna Local Municipality

Mossel Bay Local Municipality

Overstrand Local Municipality

Swartland Local Municipality

Witzenberg Local Municipality

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 355

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 FEBRUARY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 2)

355. Mr L J Basson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

Whether her department issued a water use license to a fire station in Vaal Marina in Gauteng; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW383E

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REPLY:

No. Midvaal Local Municipality started construction of the Vaal Marina Fire Station without a water use license, which should have been applied for in terms of Section 21(c) & (i) and Section 40 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998). A directive was subsequently issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), for the municipality to cease the construction until the water use license is obtained.

The Municipality argued that the construction was started based on the advice given by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development that their operation is not a listed activity and therefore did not need a water use license.

DWS requested the municipality to conduct a Wetland Delineation study to prove that the construction is not within the 500m radius of the wetland. The study findings proved that the construction was within the 500m radius, therefore requiring an application of a water use license. DWS received the water use license application on 21 October 2013, where additional information was requested. The information was completed on the following dates:

Environmental management plan (EMP); Impacts and Mitigation and the Monitoring Plan mailed - 27 June 2014.
Wetland Management and Rehabilitation Plan report - 04 August 2014.
Storm water Management Plan signed by applicant - 18 September 2014.

On 01 August 2014, DWS held a meeting with consultants representing Midvaal Local Municipality regarding the reports submitted. The DWS: Gauteng Provincial Office received comments from the Department’s specialist on the following dates:

Civil design comments and recommendations - 30 January 2015.
Sub-Directorate: In-stream Water Use - 20 February 2015.

Currently the draft record of recommendations (ROR), have been submitted to the Chief Directorate: Water Use Authorization who are undertaking quality checks and a date to present the application to the Water Use Authorisation Authority and Application Committee (WUAAAC) has been requested. After presentation, the committee will advise the Director-General to issue or decline the application.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 307

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 FEBRUARY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 4)

307. Mrs Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) Whether her department is aware of sewage spillages from infrastructure controlled by the Camdeboo Municipality (a) in the (i) 2013 and (ii) 2014 calendar years and (b) since 1 January 2015; if so, what are the details of (i) such spillages, (ii) action taken by her department, including any instructions issued to the specified municipality and (iii) action taken by the specified municipality to prevent spillages in the future;

(2) whether she (a) has issued or (b) intends to issue a directive to the specified municipality in terms of section 19(3) of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what are the details of the results of analyses of samples taken from the Sundays River by (a) her department and/or (b) the specified municipality, including the (i) location of each sampling point(s) and (ii) date of the sampling exercise in each case (aa) in the (i) 2013 and (ii) 2014 calendar years and (bb) since 1 January 2015? NW332E

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REPLY:

Yes, my Department has been aware of sewage spillages from infrastructure controlled by the Camdeboo Local Municipality (LM). The primary challenges have been the sewer spillages near the Eerstedrift and Kroonvale Brug pump at Graaff- Reinet.

(1)(a)(i) In 2013, periodic sewage spillages had occurred from sewer reticulation under the control of the Camdeboo LM.

(1)(a)(ii) In 2014, the Kroonvale Brug Sewage Pump Station was vandalized with theft of copper cables and damage to electrical components. This resulted in discharges to Sundays River. The Municipality effected temporary repairs to get the pump station functioning, whilst waiting for insurance claims and procurement of new electrical panels. This lead to a system that is vulnerable to tripping on a periodic basis.

(1)(b) There were no sewer spillages reported in January, 2015.

(1)(b)(i) My Department issued a letter to the Camdeboo LM on the 6 November 2014 requesting rehabilitation of the contaminated area and special control measures while waiting for permanent repair,

(1)(b)(ii) The Camdeboo LM confirms that the permanent repairs are still awaited, however they have resolved the periodic tripping and the pump station is operating normally. They also confirm that, standby generators are available so it is not affected by load shedding.

(2)(a) No, no directive in terms of Section 19 (3) has been issued as the Camdeboo LM has been co-operative on resolving the matter.

(2)(b) Yes, if the problem persists or if there is lack of future co-operation then my Department will follow the directive route.

(3)(a) Attached as (Annexure A: /files/RNW307A-150319.xlsx) please find an excel spread sheet of the monitoring points as well as the water quality results performed by my Department. For the period requested there were 6 monitoring results in 2013 and 6 in 2014. There are currently (2015) 2 monitoring points on Sundays River namely Hitgeim Road and Sunday’s River Canal at Addo Wastewater Treatment Works

(3)(b) The Camdeboo LM confirmed that they have not sampled the Sundays River in the periods of 2013 and 2014, but plan to commence in 2015.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 234

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 FEBRUARY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 1)

234. Ms M S Khawula (EFF) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) (a) How much has been budgeted for the upgrading of the dilapidated water infrastructure across the country and (b) by what date will the country have a fully upgraded water infrastructure system;

(2) whether she can provide (a) a list of areas nationally that (i) are experiencing water shortages and/or (ii) have no access to clean water and (b) her plans to address the problem in those specific areas; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details, in each case? NW269E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) The 2014/15 financial year budget for the upgrade of dilapidated water infrastructure is R1.6b. The Dam Safety Rehabilitation Program (DSRP) budget for the 2014/15 financial year is R 220 million. My Department has budgeted R 315 million for the 2015/16 financial year and the program is expected to be concluded in 2019/20 (i.e. a total of 81 dams fully rehabilitated).

(1)(b) Cabinet has set a target of 90% reliable Water Services by 2019.

(2)(a)(i) Yes, my Department can provide a list of areas experiencing water shortages. The information is found in the basic water services backlog eradication Master Plan reports compiled per Water Services Authority per province.

(2)(a)(ii) Yes, the list of areas with no access to clean water is also captured in Basic water services backlog eradication Master Plan.

(2)(b) Water Services is a function of Local Government. Due to the significance of this function my Department is working in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to address the matter. A comprehensive water supply situation assessments for each of the priority 27 District Municipalities is underway. First order assessments are already available. Based on these assessments detailed water supply master plans are developed for each District Municipality to address:

the un-served areas,
areas that require refurbishment,
areas with aged infrastructure,
areas with operations and maintenance problems, and
areas that require new infrastructure. Support programmes are also developed/enhanced to address planning, implementation and ongoing management.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 219

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 FEBRUARY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 1)

219. Ms M S Khawula (EFF) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

Whether she has the cost in monetary terms to eliminate the de-humanising bucket system; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) how much longer would it take to eradicate this system? NW240E

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REPLY:

Yes, the Department has set aside some R2,52 bn over three years to eradicate the bucket system.

The budget allocation to the Bucket Eradication programme per financial year is as follows:

2013/14: R650 million
2014/15: R899 million
2015/16: R975 million

The current programme to eradicate the bucket system of sanitation commenced in October 2013 and the priority was accorded to buckets in formal areas or established townships. This backlog of buckets was estimated at 88 127 and are mostly located in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape and North West provinces. The Department is currently in process of addressing some 47 891 buckets in the above provinces.

Notwithstanding this, it appears as if this target was over-estimated by some 24 600 buckets however and this is being verified with provinces once more. It is anticipated that formal buckets will be eradicated by March 2016 subject to the availability of bulk infrastructure, water availability in water scarce areas etc.

However, bucket toilets are also found in informal settlements, and it is estimated that some 92 000 buckets are located in informal settlements. Most of them are found in metropolitan municipalities and secondary cities. Eradication of buckets in informal settlements will involve the upgrading of informal settlements if the land the settlement is located upon is suitable for development. Currently, the Department is in the process of aligning its informal settlement plans with the Department of Human Settlements to avoid duplication of efforts, synchronizing its timeframes in its quest to service such communities.

It may take up to five years to eradicate the existing buckets in informal settlements. Furthermore, the implementation of this programme takes place against a backdrop of a constant influx of people that end up live in informal settlements without sufficient services. bol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol'>· Sub-Directorate: In-stream Water Use - 20 February 2015.

Reply received: March 2015

QUESTION NO 177

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 FEBRUARY 2015

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 1)

177. Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation:

(1) With reference to the reply of the Minister of Communications to question 1031 on 27 November 2014, what was the total amount that (a) her department and (b) each of its entities (i) spent on and/or (ii) budgeted for advertising for each month between 1 January 2013 and 31 July 2014, excluding expenditure transferred through the Department of Communications for advertising;

(2) does such figure for each month represent the (a) total value of advertising that appeared in the media in that month, (b) amount paid in that month for advertising that may have appeared previously or (c) amount paid in advance for advertising that appeared at a later date;

(3) in each specified case, what amount did (a) her department and (b) each of its entities spend on advertising in (i) print, (ii) radio, (iii) television, (iv) online and (v) outdoor;

(4) in each specified case, what is the breakdown of advertising by (a) her department and (b) each of its entities in terms of (i) name of and (ii) amount spent on each (aa) publication, (bb) radio station, (cc) television station, (dd) website and (ee) billboards location in each province? NW185E

REPLY:

(1)(a)(i) The total amount spent on advertising for each month between January 2013 and July 2014 is R5 989 006.34 (See below table for the monthly breakdown)

TOTAL AMOUNT SPENT BETWEEN JANUARY 2013 AND JULY 2014
January 2013	R 0.00
February 2013	R 0.00
March 2013	R 0.00
April 2013	R 71 320. 00
May 2013	R 210 166. 61
June 2013	R 138 921.22
July 2013	R 142 627.57
August 2013	R 0.00
September 2013	R 577 575.90
October 2013	R 680 000
November 2013	R 7 500.00
December 2013	R 567 856.28
January 2014	R 912 448.50
February 2014	R 483 240.90
March 2014	R 0.00
April 2014	R 401 014. 31
May 2014	R 461 468.50
June 2014	R 555 429.35
July 2014	R 779 497.20
TOTAL	R 5 989 066.34

(2) The above figures represent the total value of advertising that appeared in the media in that particular month as well as advertising that have appeared previously.

(3)(a) The amount spent on advertising

(i) In print is R4 196 472.71

(ii) In radio is R988 032.66

(iii) On television is R759 231.08

(iv) Online is R0.00, and

(v) Outdoor is R0.00

(4) See table below for the breakdown of advertising during the period of January 2013 and July 2014

PRINT: NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES	AMOUNT
Daily Sun newspaper	R345 692.23
The Project Manager magazine (Cape Media)	R68 400.00
Daily News newspaper	R36 259.20
Natal News	R10 517.40
Capricorn voice newspaper	R3 379.87
The Herald newspaper	R11 716.92
Isolezwe newspaper	R24 211.80
Ilanga newspaper	R39 630.25
Ads World magazine	R68 400.00
Mail and Guardian newspaper	R430 199.00
Izwi Labantu newspaper	R25 100.00
The Mercury newspaper	R46 310.00
Sunday World newspaper	R139 154.00
Daily Dispatch newspaper	R13 320.00
Sowetan newspaper	R234 334.64
The Project Manager magazine	R68 400.00
Media 24 Rapport	R46 785.60
The Star newspaper	R76 055.40
The Thinker magazine	R54 697.20
NAPM Leadership magazine	R283 860.00
Cape Media Corporation magazine	R27 303.00
Highbury Safika Magazine	R39 000.00
Global Dolphin magazine	R85 500.00
Saki print magazine	R54 697.00
Infinity media network magazine	R300 000.00
Cape Media Ubuntu magazine	R56 943.00
Green space magazine	R22 282.00
Independent newspaper	R91 718.24
Cape Media Corporation magazine	R42 123.00
Cold press (Financial Mail) newspaper	R62 700.00
Contact media and communications	R136 572.00
House of ISIS media (Carob Magazine)	R10 500.00
M People Resourcing magazine	R43 890.00
3S Media magazine	R53 352.00
House of ISIS media (Carob magazine)	R9 166.00
SA Agri Magazine	R79 800.00
BDFM magazine	R66 239.00
PRINT: NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES	AMOUNT
Kaqalia Media (Cape Media) magazine	R341 317.35
RA House of ISIS media (Carob magazine)	R45 834.00
Cape Media magazine	R27 132.00
YMS Magazine	R10 000.00
The New Age	R192 783.47
Natal witness newspaper	R19 815.00
NoordWes koerante	R13 450.00
Newsclip media monitor	R416 110.22
Picasso New Agenda	R37 529.00
Business Day Highbury	R48 999.93
Boss Directories	R148 194.30
Media24	R16 159.50
TOTAL	R4 196 472.71

RADIO	AMOUNT
SABC radio sales	R496 056.00
Gagasi FM	R99 488.66
Ukhozi FM	R48 838.00
Radio riverside	R79 260.00
Vibe FM	R27 800.00
Yired FM	R201 990.00
SABC radio sales	R198 056.00
SABC radio sales	R239 040.00
SK FM	R34 600.00
TOTAL	R988 032.66

TELEVISION	AMOUNT
SABC Vuka Sizwe television	R79 800.00
SABC group sales television	R679 431.08
TOTAL	R759 231.08

WEBSITE	AMOUNT
NONE

BILLBOARDS	AMOUNT
NONE

2015-03-17

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