Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 1376 to 1400
2009-10-16
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[PMG note: Replies are inserted as soon as they are provided by the Minister]
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY.
Question 1399
Mr S J F Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry;
Whether the Government is enforcing the rules or origin in respect of cross border trade between the Southern African Customs Union member states: if not, why not if so, (8) how is this done and (b) what are the further relevant details?
Response:
(a) The South African Government does not enforce rules of origin in respect of cross-border trade between Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Member States. The 2002 SACU Agreement does not provide for rules of origin among Member States. The Agreement provides for free movement of goods produced or manufactured In the 'Common Customs Area'.
(b) A customs union is by definition a single customs jurisdiction that applies a common external tariff Products that enter the union are subject to a tariff applied to the union as a whole. Both imports subject to the common external tariff and all goods produced in the common customs area flow among the Members of the union without customs control and free of customs duties.
QUESTION NO 1395
TRANSFERRED FROM WRITTEN TO ORAL REPLY IN TERMS OF RULE 117
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 15 DECEMBER 2009
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18 – 2009)
Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:
(1) Whether any of the roads that are being built to and from the stadiums that will host the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup tournament are built in conjunction with the respective provincial governments and local authorities; if so, which roads in each province;
(2) for each such road in each province, what are the details regarding the (a) budget, (b) expenditure and (c) nature of the partnership with other tiers of government in the construction of these roads up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
(3) what mechanisms, processes and procedures are in place to monitor expenditures of his department against budgeted amounts, timeframes, timelines and milestones?
NW1750E
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
(1) and
(2) (a), (b) and (c)
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
The City of Cape Town has received funding from the Public Transport Infrastructure and Systems Grant (PTIS) funds to construct the roads referred to below. Funding for some of the road projects has been sourced from both the City and the Province, as well as from the PTIS grant.
Inner City Transport System
The Inner City includes the CBD and offshore, the Port of Cape Town and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and all the suburbs of the City Bowl. It also extends eastwards to include Green Point, Sea Point and Camps Bay, and then eastwards to include the Culemborg area, Woodstock, Salt River, Observatory and Mowbray. The project is planned to be completed on 30 April 2010. An amount of R500,000.00 was allocated for this project. The City of Cape Town co-funded the project to the amount of R1,800,000.00.
Klipfontein Corridor – BRT
The envisaged product will offer alternative routes to the predominant mobility routes. The project is planned for completion on 02 February 2010 and was allocated an amount of R116,000,000.00. The City of Cape Town contributed R13.9 million towards this amount, whilst the Provincial Government contributed R19.8 million.
Koeberg BRT Corridor
The project involves the planning, designing, construction and management of a Rapid Bus Transit System, plus cycle lanes on the R27 and Koeberg route to link Table View with the CBD. It is planned to be completed on 30 April 2010 and was allocated R836,000,000.00. The City of Cape Town contributed R101,513,000.00 towards this amount.
Symphony Way
The project involves the upgrading of the existing road network around the Symphony area. The allocation is R30,000,000.00. Expenditure is at R14.9 million of R15.8 million (City of Cape Town) and R20 million (Province). Construction of second phase has been postponed indefinitely and the funds transferred to other prioritized projects for the WC2010.
Hospital Bend
This project entails the upgrading of the hospital Bend (N2), which includes the extension of the third westbound public transport lane along the N2/Settlers Way route into the eastern access from the M3 via the N2 into the City by means of a PR-selection lane. It is planned for completion on 31 March 2010 and was allocated an amount of R380,400,000.00.
N2 Airport City Link
The project entails the upgrading and extension of Provincial Trunk Road 2, section 1 (National Route N2) between Vanguard Drive and the R300, as well as the upgrade of the Airport Approach Road interchange on the N2. The project has a planned completion date of 31 March 2010. A budget of R100,000,000.00 was allocated towards this project.
Stadium Precinct Local Access Roads
This involves the upgrading of Fritz Sonnenberg Street from the Granger Bay Boulevard to the access to the stadium. This project is planned for completion on 15 December 2009 and was allocated R17,500,000.00.
CITY OF TSHWANE
Training Venues - Upgrading of Buitekant Street in the vicinity of Giant Stadium
The project entails the upgrading of the intersection as well as widening the road to provide more public transport movements. It was expected to be completed on 30 May 2010. The project was, however, finished before the planned completion date within the allocated budget of R15,000,000.00.
Waterkloof Air Force Base Access Road
The project entails the rehabilitation of the Waterkloof access road, which forms the main access to the Airport. An amount of R19,000,000.00 was allocated for this project. The project is 100% completed.
Wonderboom Airport Access Road
The project entails the rehabilitation of the Lindveldt access road, which forms the main access to the Wonderboom Airport. It was completed before the planned date of 30 May 2010 with an allocated budget of R16,000,000.00.
Bus Rapid Transit Implementation
The project entails the construction of Bus Rapid Transit Lanes in and around the City of Tshwane CBD and the linking of townships. The project has been divided into two sections, i.e. Line 1 and Line 2. A budget of R4,260,460,000.00 has been allocated and it is planned to be completed by 01 April 2012.
Loftus and Hatfield - Hatfield One Way
The project entails the rehabilitation of some streets in Hatfield and converting them to one way streets to accommodate the increase in traffic volumes. An amount of R15,000,000.00 was allocated towards the completion of this project by 30 September 2009.
Loftus and Hatfield - Pretorius Street Upgrading
This entails the upgrading of Pretorius Street to create easy access to Loftus Stadium. An allocation of R22,000,000.00 was made towards this project. It was planned for completion by 30 September 2009.
Loftus and Hatfield - Upgrading Of Duncan Street
Rehabilitation and widening of Duncan Street to accommodate easy access to Loftus Stadium. This project was allocated an amount of R20,000,000.00 and the planned completion date was 30 September 2009.
Loftus and Hatfield - Upgrading Of Schoeman Street
This entails the upgrading of Schoeman Street to accommodate High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. The amount allocated for this project is R20,000,000.00 and the initial planned completion date was 30 November 2009. The project is now 55% complete.
Loftus and Hatfield - Widening Of Charles Street
The project entails the rehabilitation and widening of Charles Street to accommodate HOVs. A budget of R87,000,000.00 was allocated for this project with a planned completion date of 30 May 2010.
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
BRT Section 2: Modderspruit Culvert to Main Reef Road
This entails preliminary and detailed design as well as the implementation of the Rea Vaya (BRT) on Section 2 (Modderspruit Culvert to Main Reef Road). The project was planned for completion on 31 May 2010, but is now 100% completed with an allocated budget of R2,722,154.69.
BRT Section 4: Empire Road/Jan Smuts Avenue to Empire Road/Victoria Road in Park Town
This entails the BRT implementation on the section of road along Empire Road between Jan Smuts Avenue and Victoria Road. The section is 0.94 kilometres in length and forms part of Phase 1b. It was planned to be completed on 31 May 2010, but is now 100% completed. An amount of R4,191,000.00 was allocated to this project.
BRT Section 13: Ellis Park to Bruma
The section is approximately 5.2 kilometres in length and stretches from Bezuidenhout, Kitchner from Ellis Park towards Bruma Lake/Eastgate. It was planned for completion on 31 May 2010, but is now 100% completed. The project was allocated R350,000.00.
BRT Section 14: Baralink to Soweto Highway
The section extends from Baralink to Soweto Highway. It was allocated an amount of R649,040.00 and was planned for completion on 31 May 2010, but is now 100% completed.
BRT Section 01: Regina Mundi to Modderspruit Culvert
This includes the detailed design and implementation of the Rea Vaya (Bus Rapid Transit) on section 1A and C. An amount of R166,578,089.00 was allocated to this project. The project was planned to be completed by 04 June 2009, but is now 99% completed.
BRT Section 03: Main Reef Road Commando to Portland Perth
The section is approximately 3.9 kilometres long and extends from the intersection of Main Reef Road to the intersection of Portland Road/Perth Road. The section will generally consist of one BRT lane and one mixed traffic lane in both directions. The project is planned for completion on 31 May 2010. An allocation of R17,578,733.00 was made towards this project.
BRT Section 05: Portland Road/Perth Road to Empire Road/Jan Smuts Avenue
The section is approximately 5.2 kilometres long and extends from Portlands Road/Perth Road to Empire Road/Jan Smuts Avenue intersection. The section will generally consist of a BRT lane and two mixed traffic lanes in both directions, except between Mentone Road and Anet Road where there will only be one mixed traffic lane northbound and two mixed traffic lanes southbound. It is planned for completion by 31 October 2010 and was allocated an amount of R63,612,490.00.
BRT Section 06: Empire Road/Victoria Avenue to West Street, Sandton
Implementation of the section along Oxford Road/Rivonia Road from Victoria Avenue in Parktown to West Street in Sandton falls under Phase 1B of the BRT. It is planned to be completed by 30 April 2010. An amount of R7,239,000.00 was allocated towards this project .
BRT Section 07: Sandton to Sunninghill
Implementation on the section of the road along Rivonia Road from West Street in Sandton to Suninghill forms part of the Phase 1C of the BRT for completion in April 2010. An amount of R6,858,000.00 was allocated for this project.
BRT Section 08: Alexandra to Sandton
The section is approximately 16.3 kilometres long and extends from the intersection of Goba and Uhuru. It is planned to be completed on 31 May 2010 and was allocated R762,000.00.
BRT Section 09: Randburg to Sandton
This entails the implementation of the BRT section from Randburg to form part of Phase 1C of the BRT for completion on 31 May 2011. An amount of R500,000.00 was allocated for this project which has not yet started.
BRT Section 11: Jabulani to Orlando
This section is on Phase 1C and commences from the intersection of Klipspruit Valley and Khumalo Road through the Jabulani Mall. It is planned to be completed on 31 May 2011 and has an allocation of R741,216.86. The project has not yet started.
BRT Section 12: Koma Road to Lenasia
This section is on Phase 1C and is approximately 25.4 kilometres long. It commences at the intersection of Koma Road and Old Potchefstroom Road and ends at the Lenasia Taxi Facility. It is planned for completion on 31 December 2012 and was allocated an amount of R2,500,000.00.
Dobsonville and Orlando Stadia Lighting Contract
This project entails the construction of lighting facilities in and around the Dobsonville and Orlando Stadia. It was planned for completion on 24 November 2008 and was completed on time. A budget of R6,285,250.00 was allocated for this project.
Ellis Park Precinct
The scope includes for road widening to accommodate an additional two dedicated lanes for BRT on Saratoga and Bertrams and the construction of BRT layer works and asphalt overlay on the existing lanes for each of the sections. An amount of R115,089,715.00 was allocated for this project. The planned completion date was 31 May 2009, but only 98% has been completed.
Nasrec BRT Link Phase 1
This section of the Pat Mbatha Motorway is approximately 4.7 kilometres, extending from the N1 Highway Bridge to the west of the M1 western by-pass Highway Bridge. The main scope of work has been completed with the road formally opened on 16 May 2008, except for the road widening to accommodate the Nasrec and Booysens Reserve BRT station.
Orlando Stadium
The section of road stretches from the Southgate railway station from the Inner City to the Ophir Booysens Road area, approximately 500 metres over the M1 Highway on the Pat Mbatha Motorway (approximately 3.3 kilometres long), ultimately linking up with the east end of Phase 1. The project was completed on time and was allocated a budget of R3,165,610.00
MANGAUNG
The following roads in the Mangaung Local Municipality have received PTIS funds to either upgrade a road or for the road to be pedestrianized:-
Elizabeth Street Pedestrianization and Selbourne Avenue Pedestrianization have been completed with a budget of R1,800,000.00 and R5,000,000.00, respectively. Pedestrianization of both streets has established a safe and convenient pedestrian link between the CBD and the stadium. This project included the widening and paving of sidewalks, planting of trees and provision of street furniture.
Mangaung Activity Corridor
Phase 1: - Consisted of the construction of pedestrian facilities, bus and taxi stops, widening of the bridge over the river and rehabilitation of Dr Belcher and Moshoeshoe Streets. The PTIS budget for this was R10,800,000.00. This project has been completed.
Phase 2: - Consisted of the upgrading of Chief Moroka Crescent, paved pedestrian strips, bus and taxi stops and raised pedestrian crossings. This project has also been completed.
PTIS: R13,658,000.00
Expenditure: R357,957.00
Nelson Mandela Drive
Widening of Nelson Mandela Drive (main access route between N1 and stadium) by one additional lane in each direction between the N1 and Parfitt Avenue. This project will be completed in March 2010.
PTIS: R25,000,000.00
Municipal Budget: R14, 000,000.00
Expenditure: R24,415,219.00
Parfitt Avenue Upgrading
Widening of Parfitt Avenue (main access route directly to the west of the stadium) by one lane in each direction between Keliner and Victoria Roads. Estimated completion date is March 2010.
PTIS: R65,000,000.00
Expenditure: R40,347,711.00
RUSTENBURG
The following roads have been built in Rustenburg Local Municipality and have received funds from the PTIS:-
Western Bypass Road P115/1
The project is divided into three phases, i.e. the construction of the actual bypass (road), interchange construction on the N4 and the link road into the stadium precinct - estimated to be completed in January 2010. The link road has been completed and its budget was R7,437,853.00.
PTIS: R80, 000,000.00
Municipal Budget: R141,400,000.00
Other Budget: R68,400,000.00
Expenditure: R155,992,991.00
Road P16/2 and Interchange
Provincial road constructed to accommodate traffic during 2010. This road will also form an integrated part of Rustenburg's future IRPTN. The road and Interchange have been completed.
PTIS: R61, 198,163.00
Expenditure: R49,345,078.00
Phokeng Ring Road System
The establishment of a road network at the stadium to accommodate the traffic during 2010 events. The road has been completed with a budget of R75,000,000.00.
Phokeng Link Road
The purpose of this road is to link the Western By-pass with the stadium precinct and this road has been completed with a budget of R8,500,000.00.
ETHEKWINI
Ethekwini Metro has also received funds from the PTIS. The following are the roads projects in the City:-
Warwick Junction Precinct is a major transport transfer node which will form the western public transport gateway to the city centre. The project has been divided into the Inbound Overpass and Outbound Overpass. The Inbound Overpass has a budget of R240,000,000.00 and was planned to be completed by end November 2009.
PTIS: R240,000,000.00
Expenditure: R130,000,000.00
The Outbound Overpass is progressing well with a budget of R350,000,000.00 and is expected to be completed in May 2010.
PTIS: R350,000,000.00
Expenditure: R100,000,000.00
Nkosi Albert Luthuli (M4) Public Transport Lanes
The project entails the construction of an additional lane for the exclusive use by public transport on the M4 southern freeway. This project is expected to be completed in May 2010.
PTIS: R107,000,000.00
Expenditure: R73,000,000.00
MBOMBELA MUNICIPALITY
Mbombela Municipality has been receiving funding from the Department of Transport (DoT). The following are the roads projects that are currently under construction - the Mpumalanga Province is also co-funding some projects within the City, e.g. the P166/2:-
Mataffin Stadium Precinct
The construction of Mataffin Precinct Road Access System and Mataffin Public Transport Rank and Stadium Precinct Boulevard. The project is expected to be completed mid-March 2010.
Budget: R133,130,188.68
Expenditure: R72,854,595.47
R40 Lanes
The construction of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes in each direction on the R40 between Sarel Cilliers Road and the P166 link via Lydenburg Road, with associated improvements to intersections and related signage. The completion date is 23 March 2010.
PTIS: R175,386,631.61
Expenditure: R102,888,571.46
KMIA Access and Public Transport Facilities
Construction of a traffic circle at the intersection with the provincial main road to improve safety and access and (temporary) public transport facilities at the terminal building for operations during the 2010 Soccer World Cup events. The planned completion date is 31 March 2010
PTIS: R13,491,289.67
Expenditure: R581,100.31
NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY
Road works
New Bolt Street from Stanford Road to Commercial Road
Was planned for completion by 30 November 2009.
Allister Miller Road
The planned date for completion is 30 March 2010.
Total PTIS: R52,018,222.00
Total Expenditure: R68,866,410.00
Bus Rapid Transit Lanes
Govan Mbeki – Construction of Bus Rapid Transit lanes along Govan Mbeki Avenue - rehabilitation of base course and kerbing. The completion date for this project is 31 January 2010.
Kempston Road (Haupt to Diaz) – Construction started on 01 January 2009and is planned for completion by 30 May 2010.
Fettes and Theale - Construction of BRT lanes along Fettes and Theale. The construction is planned for completion by 30 February 2010.
Total Budget for BRT Lanes: R90,467,550.00
POLOKWANE
Completed Construction and upgrading of roads projects
· Marshall Street widening - Phase 1 and 2
· Webster Street widening - Phase 1 and 2
· Suid Street widening - Compensatie To Webster
· Dorp/Landros Mare Intersection upgrade
· Magasyn Street Extension
· Dorp/Landros Mare Intersection upgrade
· Nelson Mandela - N1 trafic circle
· Westenburg/Rissik/Nelson Mandela Intersection
· Suid Street extension - Kerk to Marshall
· Landros Mare/Biccard Street link
· Nelson Mandela Drive - Seshego Circle - New Era
· Houtbosdorp Road upgrading - R71 to Mankweng Stadium
· Nelson Mandela link - Marshall to Kerk
· Church Street extension
· Biccard Street widening - Jorrisen to Hospital
· Biccard Street widening - Hospital to Landros Mare (N1)
Total PTIS: R164,703,000.51
Total Expenditure: R156,479,283.51
(3) The Department of Transport has a panel of experts for monitoring and evaluation, as well as project management services. The panel consists of transport practitioners (civil engineers, transport planners and transport economists), who regularly visit municipalities, conducting site inspections and attending project meetings. They submit reports to the Department on a monthly basis, reporting on project progress (according to set time lines), expenditure, identified risks, as well as conducting a value for money assessment on all projects funded through the Public Transport Infrastructure and Systems Grant.
QUESTION NO. 1393
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 18)
Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) What is the (a) actual and (b) optimal staff complement at the Directorate: Radiation Control at the (i) head office and (ii) regional offices for (aa) inspectors, (bb) scientists and (cc) others;
(2) whether there are any vacant posts at any of the offices within the abovementioned directorate; if so, (a) how long has each post been vacant and (b) what steps are being taken to fill each vacant post;
(3) whether there is a moratorium or restriction on the filling of any vacancies; if so, (a) why and (b) how long will this be the case;
(4) (a) when was the last update of the staff complement requirement of this directorate, (b) what was used to determine the staff complement strength and (c) how many licences for radioactive sources were issued at the time?
NW1747EREPLY:
(1) The number of approved posts as per the directorate's establishment is used as the optimal staff complement and the currently filled posts as the actual posts. The numbers are given below with the establishment given first then the filled posts:
(i) Head office:
(aa) inspectors - 2/2 (establishment / filled)
(bb) scientists - 11/7
(cc) others - 15/12
(ii) regional offices:
(aa) inspectors - 10/6
(bb) scientists – none
(cc) others - 5/4
(2) There are a number of vacant posts as indicated above by the establishment posts that are not filled.
(a) - Inspectors: 4 vacant posts (vacant for 4 months to 2,5 years)
- Scientists: 4 vacant posts (vacant for 3 to 5 years)
- Others: 3 vacant posts (vacant for 2 to 3 years)
(b) The vacant posts are in the various stages of being filled, e.g. requested approval for advertisement, being advertised, being short listed, awaiting interviews, etc.
(3) Given the need to respect the budget available for personnel, vacant posts are being prioritised for filling and these posts are included in this process. This process of prioritisation is in place for the current financial year
(4) (a) Updates of the staff complement of the directorate have been done from time to time through specific work study exercises, the last completed exercise terminated in 2007. However there is a major further work study underway at present.
(b) Standard human resource and work study procedures were used to determine the staff complement.
(c) The directorate issues authorities for actions related to radioactive sources (import / export, possession, use, disposal, etc.) and not licences for radioactive sources themselves. The number of active Authorities varies on a daily basis; for example, a total of 438 new and revised Authorities were issued over the past 6 months.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO. 1392
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 18)
Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether any costing was conducted in line with the President's pledge that 80% of all HIV-positive persons in need of anti-retroviral medication (ARVs) will receive such medication by 2011; if not, why not; if so, (a) what was the amount identified, (b) how was this amount to be funded and (c) who conducted the costing;
(2) whether he commissioned any investigation with regard to his department's capacity in respect of the necessary human resources to execute such a programme; if not, why not; if so, (a) what were the findings of the investigation and (b) who conducted the investigation;
(3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
NW1746EREPLY:
(1) That 80% of all HIV-positive persons in need of ARVs will receive such medication by 2011 is not the President's pledge but is one of the objectives of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2007-2011 of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), of which Government is a component.
Since the Government is part of SANAC NSP, the President of course publicly endorsed this objective during his State of the Nation Address in June 2009.
The costing was done as part of the ordinary budget process of Government.
(a) as for the amount of ARV costs, refer to the budget speech of the Minister of Finance of 27 June 2009.
(b) cots of ARVs is funded through Government expenditure and through any donation we may receive from donor organisations, e.g the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, PEPFAR, etc.
(c) the Department of Health.
(2) Yes, the whole system of the management of HIV/AIDS and TB i.e counselling, testing, treatment and follow-up is being reviewed and investigated. This indicates not only the necessary human resources but also the costs.
(a) the review is still ongoing but preliminary findings were presented, and it was proposed that a decision be taken that HIV/AIDS and TB be treated under one roof;
(b) it is being conducted by:
· UNAIDS;
· WHO;
· USAID
· UNFPA
(3) If needs be.
QUESTION NO: 1391
DATE SUBMITTED:
MR J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
Whether a contract for the installation of inmate tracking system has been awarded; if not, (a) why not and (b) what is the anticipated deadline for the awarding of the contract: if so (i) when, (ii) to whom and (iii) at what cost?
NW1745E
REPLY
The Department has not awarded a contract on Inmate Tracking. Procurement of IT infrastructure is managed by SITA, DCS was informed that the tender could not be awarded owing to procurement related problems. The Department has, as an alternative, successfully tested Automated Personal Identification System (APIS) and will be installed in 17 ATDs facilities country wide.
QUESTION NO: 1390
QUESTION PAPER NO 12: 28 AUGUST 2009
DATE SUBMITTED:
MR J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
(1) What progress has been made towards the roll-out of electronic tracking devices to monitor the movement of parolees and probationers;
(2) whether the implementation of such a system will assist in popularising correctional supervision as an alternative to imprisonment; if so, (a) to what extent and (b) what steps does her department contemplate to popularise alternative sentences?
NW1744E
REPLY
(1) The Department of Correctional Services has made strides with regard to the roll-out of Electronic Tracking for the movement of parolees and probationers. An important development has been the approval of the Business Case on Electronic Monitoring of offenders. A Cabinet memorandum has been compiled and forwarded wherein start up funds are being requested to kick start Electronic Monitoring of parolees and probationers in the system of community corrections. The introduction of Electronic Monitoring of offenders in South Africa will most probably become a reality after start up funds have been secured and once the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services and Cabinet have given the Department the final go-ahead, the tendering process will be taken forward as a matter of urgency. The feedback in this regard is still being awaited from the Cabinet.
(2) Yes, the implementation of Electronic Monitoring will enhance effective utilisation of correctional supervision as an alternative to incarceration.
(a) The introduction of Electronic Monitoring will improve supervision and effective management of parolees and probationers in the system of community corrections.
Such a system will also promote the confidence of various partners and the public to enhance effective utilization of alternative sentencing options.
Electronic Monitoring will further alleviate the problems of overcrowded correctional centres.
It will furthermore assist the Department of Correctional Services to absorb increased volumes of Awaiting Trial Detainees placed by the courts under supervision of this Department.
Electronic Monitoring will assist in enforcing supervision conditions such as House Detention, Restriction to Magisterial District.
(b) The Department contemplates to engage various stakeholders at National level to popularise alternative sentencing options.
The Regional and the Local structures of the department will continuously launch marketing strategies to popularise the alternative sentencing options and will provide feedback to National Head Office on progress.
UESTION NO: 1389
QUESTION PAPER NO 18: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009
DATE SUBMITTED:
MR J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
Whether any delay has been experienced in commissioning the new correctional centre in Kimberley; if so, (a) when was it originally scheduled to open, (b) when will it be opened, (c) what are the causes of the delay and (d) what steps will she or her department take to speed up the process? NW1743E
REPLY
Yes, a delay has been experienced in the commissioning of the facility.
(a) The original opening date of the facility was 1 March 2009 based on construction completion information reported by the National Department of Public Works at the time.
(b) Based on the latest construction completion date of 30 October 2009 as reported by the National Department of Public Works, the opening of the facility is scheduled during February 2010.
(c) Rectifying discrepancies in the 'Generic' documentation, bulk earth work platforms not in line with generic documentation layout, strike in the metal industry for delivering steel work components necessary for the project, scope changes of converting production workshops into bakery and textile workshops and abnormal inclement weather conditions.
(d) The Minister is in continuous consultation with the Minister of the National Department of Public Works to expedite the completion of the construction.
QUESTIONS 1387
FRIDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2009
1387. Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
(1) (a) What are the (i) names and (ii) qualifications of the persons who formed part of the management team that was sent to assist the Eastern Cape housing department in 2008 and (b) where were they seconded from;
(2) what was the (a) duration of their secondment and (b) description of their individual responsibility within the management team;
(3) what are the details of the (a) progress and (b) skills transferred to date;
(4) (a) what is the total cost to his department of the intervention and (b) how is the cost made up with regard to (i) travelling, (ii) accommodation, (iii) remuneration and (iv) other specified expenses?
REPLY
| NAME | QUALIFICATIONS | PERIOD OF ENGAGEMENT |
| Leshabe Sam Rampedi | B.com (accounting) , Masters in Development studies | April 2008 to date |
| Thomas Ntshengedzeni Ramovha | B. Tech management services Diploma in Municipality Management | April 2008 to date |
| Siphumedze Mndze | Msc Dev planning, BA degree, Dipll PR. | July to Nov 2008 Sept 2008 to date |
| Lorraine S. M. Makola | B. Com Computer Science Dipl. Human Rights | 01 May 2008 to date |
| Thanyani Ramatsea | Professional Engineer. B. Sc (Civil) Eng Masters in Engineering | 01 Oct 2008 to date |
| Rudzani Percy Mamphaga | Professional Engineer. BSc (Civil) Eng. Graduate Diploma in Engineering. | 01 Sept 2008 to date |
| Wellington Didibhuku Thwala | B.sc Quantity Surveyor | 01 Sept 2008 to Nov 2009 |
| Sam Johannes Du Preez | Professional engineer. B Sc (civil) Eng | 01 June 2009 to date |
| Sifiso Sibanyoni | B.Sc Eng Civil Hons | 01 Sep 2008 to 31 Oct 2008 |
| Tsikadzashe Nemato | Professional Engineer. B.Sc Eng Civil Hons. | 01 Nov 2008 to 31 March 2009 |
| William Chitsa | Professional Engineer. B. Sc Eng Civil Hons. MBA | 01 Nov 2008 to date |
| Tsholofelo Diale | B. Sc Eng Civil Hons | 01 Sep 2008 to 31 Oct 2008 |
| Ferdinand C. Fester | B. Sc Quantity Surveyor | 01 Sept 2008 to 31 Nov 2008 |
| Jan G Fourie | Professional Engineer. B. Sc Eng Civil B. Com LLB Msc. Eng | Nov 2008 to March 2009 |
| Sthembiso Ndlovu | B. Tech In Construction Management Masters in Project Management | 01 September 2009 |
| Thabo Wahls Mathibeli | Professional Engineer B. Sc Eng Civil B. SC Maths & Physics MBA | 01 July 2009 to date |
| Thamsamqa Patrick Skele | Professional Engineer Technologist - Civil GCE Civil Eng B. Tech Civil Eng N.H.D. Civil Eng N. Dipl Civil Eng | 01 July 2009 to date |
| Letta Mokgotsi | B.A. | April 2008 to Oct 2008 |
| Bahle Precious Sitaba | BA Environmental and Development | 01 Nov 2009 to 31 Jan 2009 |
| David Victor Hatton Hall | Profesional engineer B. Sc Eng Civil Hons MBA Dipl Prof Construction Project Manager | 25 Nov 2009 to Feb 2009 |
| Kamlesh Naran Bhana | B Tech: Town planning | 01 Sept 2008 to 31 March 2009 |
| Brenda Mvula | Post Graduate Diploma: Project management | 01 Nov 2008 to date |
| Dave Awogu | Masters In Town & Regional Planning Post Grad Dipl In Computer Science B.sc Hons Urban & Regional Planning | 01 June 2009 to date |
| Sindile Bidla | Masters Geo Information Sc A& Earth Observation B.sc Agriculture | 01 May 2009 to date |
| Abraham van der Berg | Professional Land Surveyor Bachelor Degree Land Surveying Masters Town & Regional Planning B.A. Public Admin Hons | June 2009 to date |
| Calvin Sehlapelo | B. Com Hons Acc & CA B. Comm Acc | July 2009 to date |
1(b) The officials were seconded from National and other Provinces. Other officials were sourced from the private sector and were appointed as independent contractors (consultants).
2(a) The duration of secondment is captured above in the last column.
2(b) Mr Rampedi is the team leader of the Eastern Cape Intervention.
Ms Makola is the office manager that ensures necessary arrangements and control of the team.
Mr Ramovha is responsible for the oversight role within the team and monitors progress.
3(a) The province has improved in the overall system of housing delivery in the areas of project management, quality assurance, multi-year planning, financial management and reporting.
3 (b) As part of capacity building the National Department deployed skills
in the areas of strategic management, financial management, engineering, town planning and information management. These professionals have worked closely with the province to ensure that skills are transferred to provincial officials. This has manifested in improved conditional grant expenditure, planning, increased number of units completed, quality management and reporting.
4 R 6.177 million
(b) (i) R1.7 million
(ii) R912 000
(iii) R3.5 million
(iv) Telephones: R30 733
Office equipment: R3 600
Lease payments: R30 806
QUESTION NO. 1385
WRITTEN REPLY
Mr A C Steyn (DA) MP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
(a) Who were the managing agents after the completion of the rental units at Phase 1 of the N2 Gateway project;
(b) What are the relevant details of the agreement entered into with the managing agents, including;
(i) the date that the agreement was entered into,
(ii) the duration of the agreement
(iii) details of the
(aa) responsible
(bb) remuneration of the managing agents and;
(c) Who is currently managing the
(i) maintenance and;
(ii) collection of rentals for these units?
REPLY
(a) Thubelisha Homes have a lease agreement with the City of Cape Town (owners of the rental portion of Joe Slovo Phase 1).
(b) (i) The original lease agreement was signed in 2006.
(ii) The lease was for a period of five years, with a 30 year renewable option.
(iii) (aa) Maintenance and rental collection.
(bb) In terms of the lease agreement, no payment is made Thubelisha Homes as it was envisaged they would recoup costs from rental income received. Trafalgar Property Management Services were appointed to maintain a billing service. This service merely records payments made and sends out accounts to the tenants. Trafalgar Property Management are paid an amount of R 8 037.00 monthly for this service.
(c) (i) Currently the maintenance falls under Thubelisha Homes as the as the lease with the City of Cape Town is still in force.
(ii) Currently rental payments which are made by tenants are paid into Thubelisha Homes' bank account.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 1384
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18 - 2009)
Date reply submitted : 15 December 2009
Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:
(1) Whether a certain case (details furnished) was withdrawn; if so, (a) why and (b) when;
(2) whether the said case will be placed back on the roll for prosecution; if not, why not; if so, when;
(3) whether any disciplinary action was taken against any of the investigating officers who worked on this case; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are their names, (b) was the reason for disciplinary action in each case and (c) were the relevant outcomes in each case?
NW1738E
REPLY:
(1) Yes. (a) The case docket was provisionally withdrawn at court pending the receipt of DNA results of blood samples that were found on the scene of crime.
(b) On 17 April 2009
(2) Yes, the case will be placed back on the court role for prosecution when the DNA results are received and matches that of the perpetrator.
(3) No, there is no evidence to indicate negligence or any form of misconduct by the investigating officer to warrant disciplinary action as far as this investigation is concerned
(3)(a),(b) and (c) Not applicable.
QUESTION NO. 1383
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 18)
Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) (a) What formal qualifications does a certain person hold (name furnished) and (b) at which institution did he acquire them;
(2) whether he is a registered doctor with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, when did he register with the Council;
(3) whether his licence to practise has ever been revoked; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1737EREPLY:
(1) We are informed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa, that there is no record of the said doctor registered as a Medical Practitioner. It is therefore not possible for us to respond to any questions further on this person.
(2) Falls away.
(3) Falls away.
QUESTION 1382
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 18-2009]
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009
1382. Mr M H Hoosen (ID) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Affairs:
(1) With reference to his response to question 956 on 16 September 2009, (a) what are the names of all the lessees of State-owned farms, (b) where is each farm located, (c) what is the duration of every lease on every farm, (d) how much is the monthly or annual rental of each farm and (e) which farms were leased before 1994;
(2) what criteria are used to decide (a) how much rent should be paid and (b) what the duration of a lease should be;
(3) whether any conditions are placed on the lease agreements; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1736E
THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM
(1)(a)-(e) Please refer to Annexure A. It should be noted that Annexure A reflects all lease contracts signed to date.
(2)(a) All historical contracts on state property rentals are determined by agricultural production value, market value or comparative rand per hectare. The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) has since developed an electronic State Land Leasing Debtors System which standardizes the calculation of farm rental amounts at 6% of the agricultural production value.
(b) The duration of leases are determined by considering the nature of the relevant agricultural land use in terms of production cycles and associated financials in order for the lessee to recoup their investment and generate income.
(3) Yes. Please refer to Annexure B which contains a list of conditions extracted from the different lease agreements.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY INTERNAL QUESTION QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY25 September 2009
1381. Mr J J Mc Gluwa (ID) to ask the Minister for the Public Service and Administration:
Whether, with reference to the reply to Question 742 by the Minister of Home Affairs on 10 September 2009, the forensic audit into the alleged irregularities in the tender process conducted by the State Information Technology Agency on Smart Card Identity Document has been completed; if not, why not; if so, (a) what has been the delay in handing it over to the Minister of Home Affairs and (b) when will it be handed over to her? NW1735E
_____________________________________________________________________
REPLY:
No, the forensic audit has to date not been concluded as yet. The Recommendation's Committee officially concurred with the request of the client to cancel the tender RFB643 on the 22 September 2009
(b) As soon as the forensic audit is finalized, it will be handed to the Minister of Home Affairs.
______________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR ORAL REPLY WEDNESDAY, 04 NOVEMBER 2009QUESTION NO 1380
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 15 DECEMBER 2009
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18 – 2009)
Mr S B Farrow (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:
(1) Whether the decision taken by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government to introduce licence performance-based system vehicles onto certain roads was taken in line with national policy to move bulk goods such as timber from road to rail; if not, what caused the KZN provincial government to approve these vehicles which are longer and heavier than the current legal limits;
(2) whether any risk assessments were done with regard to (a)(i) the impact of these vehicles on the road surface and (ii) considering the narrow and winding roads in this area and (b) its high use by both taxis and sugar cane trucks; if not, why not; if so, what was the outcome of the assessment;
(3) whether his department was consulted throughout the process; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether any rail options were investigated before this decision was taken; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1701E
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
(1) Yes, the decision to introduce licence performance based system vehicles was in line with the national policy. In essence, the process is meant to promote self-regulation within the road freight industry. This was jointly agreed to by the Department of Transport (DoT) and the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province. The process is known as the Road Transport Management System (RTMS), which is led by the Timber Industry and supported by both the National and Provincial Departments of Transport.
It is a voluntary, self-regulation scheme that encourages consignees, consignors and road transport operators to implement a management system (a set of standards) that demonstrates compliance with the Road Traffic Regulations and also contributes to preserving road infrastructure, improving road safety and increasing productivity. It technically promotes the DoT policy decision on overload control. The acceptance of this programme was based purely on encouraging public-private-participation, parallel to the Department of Transport's engagement with Transnet Limited in trying to address capacity and efficiency challenges within the rail industry. Although the vehicles might be longer and heavier, the importance is that they are loaded within the legal requirement.
(2) (a) (i) and (ii) and (b)
A general road infrastructure impact assessment and related risks were done in this regard, and this process was an element of such an assessment. Hence, today we can refer to the Road Infrastructure Framework for South Africa (RIFSA), the now reviewed Overload Control Strategy, the Freight Databank, as well as the Branch Line Strategy. All these documents indicated that there is a consistent downward trend on the deterioration of the road network (particularly the secondary network), with a subsequent maintenance shortfall of approximately R54,8 billion. This intervention is but one element of trying to mitigate the deterioration of the road network and many others to come.
(3) Yes, the Department of Transport was consulted throughout the process. To date there is an institutional structure in place with ongoing engagements between the Department, jointly with the Province and the Industry. Ongoing provincial road-shows are also taking place in this regard.
(4) Yes, the rail options were investigated at the time. However, the outcome indicated capacity challenges faced by the rail sector at that time. It must be indicated that continued improvement of the rail sector is underway, and that the Department of Transport is currently intensifying its engagement jointly with Transnet and other relevant stakeholders in finding a solution in dealing with challenges faced by the rail industry in this regard. The imminent solution on a phased approach is to revive the branch line network to meet the required capacity levels.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR ORAL REPLYWEDNESDAY, 04 NOVEMBER 2009
QUESTION NO 1378
TRANSFERRED FROM WRITTEN TO ORAL REPLY IN TERMS OF RULE 117
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: TUESDAY, 15 DECEMBER 2009
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2009 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18 – 2009)
Mr S B Farrow (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:
Whether his department's website has been inaccessible to the public for any length of time; if so, (a) for how long and (b) for what reason?
NW1692E
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
(a) and (b)
Yes, the Department of Transport's (DoT) website was unavailable when the Department migrated from the Government shared network to the current Virtual Private Network (VPN) on Saturday, 09 May 2009.
The VPN provides the Department with greater control on systems that are hosted at SITA, whilst this was impossible on the shared network as the Department was solely relying on SITA to manage the website. The change was communicated via email to internal staff members.
Two kinds of downtime were experienced, i.e.
Ø the main downtime on the weekend of the switch-over, which were caused by the SITA firewall restrictions; and
Ø intermittent downtime of less than 10 minutes when data was transferred.
Question 1376
Dr C P Mulder(FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
(1) Whether he has received a certain report (Through the Eyes of IDC Employees from Ms Jessie Duarte); if so, (a) when and (b) what steps has he taken since then with regard to the contents of this document;
(2) Whether he has been informed regarding a party which the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) held in honour of the chairperson of that council (Ms Wendy Luhabe); if so, (a) when was this party held for her and (b) what did the costs amount to;
(3) Whether it was decided before the party to renew her contract; if so, why was the party proceeded with;
(4) Whether he regards the expenses for such a party as a waste of IDC funds; if not, why not; if so, what step will he take to recoup the money? NW1732E
Response
(1)The Minister was made aware of anonymous allegations concerning industrial relations at the IDC. This was brought to the attention of the IDC and is being dealt with.
(2) the dti is aware of the farewell function for five directors including Ms Wendy Luhabe. The terms of office for these 5 directors were due to come to an end.
(a) The function took place on 11 September 2008 at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
(b) The function was funded by the IDC and its total cost, including VAT was R447 252.03.
(3) The decision to renew Ms Luhabe's contract was made after the farewell function, therefore the IDC was unaware of the decision to renew Ms Luhabe's contract on the day of the farewell function which took place on 11 September 2008. The IDC was informed of this decision on 29 September 2008.
(4) the dti regards the purpose for which this particular farewell function was held as valid, namely to honour the five directors whose terms of office on the IDC board had come to an end.
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION 1386
(NW1740E): A C Steyn (DA)
WRITTEN REPLY
To obtain your approval for the draft reply to Parliamentary Question No.1386 received from Mr. A C Steyn.
The Ministry received the following Parliamentary Question for a written reply
(2.1) (1) Whether he intends taking any steps to resolve the ongoing maintenance complaints at Phase 1 of the N2 Gateway project; if not, why not; if so,
(a) What steps and
(b) What are the further relevant details;
(2) Whether he intends taking any steps to get the contractors to do the remedial work required, particularly with regard to waterproofing; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) Whether he intends taking any steps to collect the rental arrears; if not, why not; if so;
(a) What steps and
(b) What are the further relevant details;
(4) Whether he intends taking any steps to increase future rental collections to a more acceptable and sustainable level; if not; if so, what are relevant details?
. DRAFT RESPONSE
:
(1) The department directed the HDA to address maintenance issues.
(2) The Housing Development Agency will take over the management of the lease, and a property management system that focuses maintenance and management will be put in place.
(3) The HDA will put in place a mechanism to deal with the collection of rental owed and due.
(4) Yes, as discussed above a property management system will be put in place.