Questions & Replies: Water & Environmental affairs

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2012-06-30

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Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO. 979

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 10 NW1155E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 April 2012

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

(1) What is the current conservation status of the most southern vulture population in the Potberg area in the De Hoop Nature Reserve;

(2) whether she intends putting any measures in place to increase the number of breeding pairs in the colony; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Dr P J Rabie (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

979. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) The southern sub-population of the vulture population was found to be that of the CapeGriffon/ Vulture (Gyps coprotheres). According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and in terms of section 56 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) the conservation status of the whole population of the Cape Vulture is ''Endangered.''The Department of Environmental Affairs is in the process of revising the Threatened or Protected Species List and in this revised list the whole population of the Cape Vulture is listed as "Vulnerable'' and not a sub-population.

(2) The Department, in terms of section 43 of the NEMBA, is participating in the process to develop a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the Cape Vulture in South Africa. The process is led by the Vulture Conservation Group in collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust with the participation of other stakeholders representing provincial departments, NGOs and other interested and affected parties. The main aim of the BMP is to ensure an increase and stabilisation of the Cape Vulture in South Africa. The intended BMP will, among others, set out actions to address the current threats facing Cape Vulture conservation. Listing any species in terms of section 56 of the NEMBA, means that a permit is required in terms of section 57(1) of the NEMBA for the carrying out of any restricted activity involving Cape Vultures. The Threatened or Protected Species Regulations, 2007, which has been promulgated in terms of the NEMBA, will require the relevant issuing authority to consider the provisions of the BMP when considering a permit application for Cape Vultures.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO. 978 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1154E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 April 2012

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

Whether any environmental impact studies were conducted to assess the viability of the proposed irrigation infrastructure on the (a) Makatini Flats in KwaZulu-Natal and (b) Umzimvubu River Basin in Eastern Cape, as set out in the National Development Plan; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

978. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(a) The Department of Environmental Affairs is aware of and has a record of an irrigation project known as the Mphophoma Irrigation Project which is located in the Makatini Flats area and which was authorised in terms of the EIA Regulations. The authorisation was, however, appealed by KZN Ezemvelo. The appeal is currently under consideration and no decision regarding the appeal has been made as yet.

(b) The Department has no record of the development of any irrigation infrastructure in the Umzimvubu River Basin in the Eastern Cape. (A project of this nature would have required environmental authorisation in terms of the EIA Regulations and an environmental impact study.)

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO. 957

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 10 NW1133E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 April 2012

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

(a) How many live lions have been exported to Zambia since 1 January 2008 and (b) with regard to each export (i) how many lions were exported, (ii) what is the name of the (aa)exporter and (bb) importer and (iii) from which province were the lions exported?

Mr I O Davidson (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

957. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(a), (b)(i), (ii)(aa) and (bb), and (iii):

Province

Number of live lions exported to Zambia

Name of Exporter

Name of Importer

Gauteng

12

Horseback Africa

Cara Watts

Free State

8

J Durand, Groenvlei, Hoopstad

Sileka Mukani, Mukuni Big 5 Safaris

10

Du Toit Brink, Myburgh Farm

A. Connolly

7

P Naude, Boschput Farm

Richard Leach, Melrose farm

9

S J Wessels, Oshoek Farm

Willem Botha, Mwengula Game Ranch

4

J Durand, Groenvlei, Hoopstad

Mukuni Big 5 Safaris

Northern Cape

None

Western Cape

None

Mpumalanga

None

Eastern Cape

None

Limpopo

None

North West

None (based on CITES annual report submitted by North West)

KwaZulu-Natal

None

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO 955

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 APRIL 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 10)

955. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and EnvironmentalAffairs:

(1) What (a) is the average water loss in kiloliters per month in each municipality in the Free State and (b) percentage of total water usage does this figure represent at the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) whether any measures are being taken to assist municipalities in the Free State to decrease water losses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what is the current status of the (a) demand for water versus (b) supply of water in each municipality in the Free State? NW1131E

REPLY:

(1) The information indicating the average water loss in kiloliters per month in each municipality in the Free State as well as the percentage of total water usage figure as at the latest specified date is attached as Annexure A.

(2) Yes, the Department has taken the following measures to assist the municipalities in the Free State to decrease water losses:

· water leak repairs;

· installation of zonal and bulk water meters;

· household retrofitting;

· repair leaking reservoirs; and

· replacement of the ageing pipelines.

The details on funding allocations and expenditure on the above measures are reflected in attached Annexure B.

(3) The information indicating the current status of the demand for water versus the supply of water in each municipality in the Free State is attached asAnnexure A.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO 907

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 APRIL 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 09)

907. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and EnvironmentalAffairs:

(1) What has been the response of the Department of Water Affairs to the judgment in case number 767/2008: Mohlala Civil Engineering CC and 103 others (applicants) and Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (respondent);

(2) whether the department has complied with the judgment; if so, how was this conclusion reached; if not, why not;

(3) whether the department has been approached for any compensation by Mohlala Civil Engineering CC and 103 others for lost work opportunities; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what was the response of the department;

(4) whether the department intends to meet with representatives of the applicants to find a resolution to the dispute, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1087E

REPLY:

(1) In response to the court judgment handed down by Judge Hartzenberg in which the Department was ordered to continue with the services of the applicants until an open tender process was finalised, budgeted an amount of R11 million through the Mpumalanga Region. The amount was thereafter entrusted to the Independent Development Trust (IDT) (Implementing Agent) to continue securing the services of the applicants until the open tender process was completed. Attached hereto is a closure report pertaining to projects undertaken expending the R11 million budget as Annexure A.

(2) See the detailed report mentioned in paragraph 1 above.

(3) Subsequent to the conclusion of the open tender process, the applicants through their attorney HJ Groenewald lodged another court application against the Department in which they allege that the Department was in contempt of court due to failure to comply with the court order mentioned above in paragraph 1. The Department filed an answering affidavit disputing the contempt of court averments and the application was never pursued by the applicant. Instead, the applicants through their attorney wrote a letter to the Department demanding compensation in respect of all the applicants for lost job opportunities. The Department after investigating the claim wrote to the legal representative of the applicants refuting their claim due to the fact that there is no factual or legal base to their claim. This demand too was never pursued by the applicants.

(4) The Department has no intention of meeting the representatives of the applicants due to the reasons advanced in paragraph 3 above. If the applicant hold the view that they have a genuine claim against the Department (which is denied), they may use other legal remedies at their disposal to pursue their claim. Therefore, the Department complied fully with the court order. The Department issued an open tender process inviting all interested parties to bid to render services to the Department.

The applicants were also at liberty to participate in the process. However, they chose not to participate as they seemed to have the belief that they were entitled to render services to the Department and did not want the Department to open the process to other interested parties. After failing to pursue the court case, the applicants seem to have now resorted to applying pressure on the Department through Parliament. This borders on abuse of Parliament processes by litigants who have realised that there is no legal basis for them to proceed with a court action which they have initiated.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO 906

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 APRIL 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 09)

906. Dr L L Bosman (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and EnvironmentalAffairs:

(1) Whether there are any standards or protocols that govern the (a) cleaning and (b) removal of solid matter from water reservoirs; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not;

(2) whether the Department of Water Affairs makes any recommendations on how regularly (a) water reservoirs run by municipalities should be cleaned and (b) solid matter should be removed from them; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not;

(3) whether she has taken any steps with regard to the state of water reservoirs run by municipalities; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not? NW1086E

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REPLY:

(1) No. There are no National Standards or protocols that govern the cleaning and/or removal of solid matter from reservoirs. The design of reservoirs and the different valve technology determine how scouring is to be conducted and is normally part of the operations and maintenance manuals for the infrastructure.

(2) Yes. The Blue Drop Certification programme sets requirements for drinking water quality risk management which informs the necessary mitigating operations needed to be taken. The water safety planning process details the risk assessment process for the catchment, treatment, reticulation and point of use. Reservoirs form part of the risks related to reticulation with regards to external access and internal sediment. Water services institutions are therefore required to have control measures in place for each associated risk and in this regard it would necessitate scouring which will from part of the cleaning and sediment removal. Disinfection residual is another risk control measure which serves as a barrier for re-growth of bacteria and bio-film in the pipe-network and reservoirs. The frequency of scouring is determined through operational monitoring which will indicate deterioration of turbidity levels downstream of a reservoir. An increase in turbidity will inform the frequency of scouring. This will differ across the country as raw water quality and treatment processes are the determining factors.

(3) Yes. The consultative audit process of the Blue Drop Certification ensures that inspectors assess treatment facilities and reservoirs where necessary, based upon water safety planning and operational monitoring information. In case of non-compliance, municipalities are instructed to scour where necessary.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION NO. 900

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1080E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 April 2012

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

(1) With reference to the permit granted by the Department of Environmental Affairs to a certain entity (name and details furnished) to capture sharks at various locations off the coast for purposes of research and filming, (a) what was (i) the date of the permit application, (ii) the date on which it was granted, (iii) the cost of the permit and (iv) duration of the permit and (b) what (i) legislation and (ii) regulations govern the awarding of this permit;

(2) whether, in granting the permit, any of the relevant municipalities off whose coastlines the permit would be active were (a) informed and (b) actively consulted for their respective opinions and input; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what are the (a) names and (b) designations of the officials of her department that were present on the vessel of the said entity at any time since the start of their operations in South Africa;

(4) whether an official from the Department of Environmental Affairs is on board the vessel at all, times when the crew members are capturing sharks; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

900. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

1. (a) (i) 21 December 201 1 and in revised form on 26 February 2012.

(ii) The umbrella permit was granted on 11 January 2012 and individual research permits on 7 March 2012for Leg 1 and 5 April 2012 for Leg 2.

(iii) There is no cost to research permits

(iv) Initially to 15 March 2012 and then re-issued to 30April 2012.

(b) (i) The Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998).

(ii) Sections 79 and 83 of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. of 1998)

2. (a) Yes only for research in False Bay.

The City of Cape Town had been informed and placed an observer on board

(b) Yes for research in False Bay,

In areas with existing permits for White Shark Cage Diving or existing shark research no consultation was done for this permit.

3. (a) Mr Michael Meyer and Mr Darrel Anders.

(b) Mr Michael Meyer: Control Scientific Technician Grade B,

Mr Darrel Anders: Control Scientific Technician Grade A.

4. Yes.

Mr Michael Meyer on a full-time basis, joined by Mr Darrel Anders.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO. 899

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1079E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 April 2012

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

(1) With reference to the permit granted by the Department of Environmental Affairs to a certain entity (name and details furnished) to capture sharks at various locations off the South African coast for purposes of research and filming, (a) at what point can the crew of the vessel use mammalian products to create a scent path for sharks, (b) how is this point determined, (c) who determines the point and (d) what protocols govern these actions;

(2) whether there are provisions in the permit that limit the amount of (a) bait and (b) chum that can be used each day; if not, how is this justified; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the Department of Environmental Affairs is keeping records of how much (a) bait and (b) chum is being used by the said entity's vessel; if so, what are the amounts to date; if not, why not;

(4) whether the Department of Environmental Affairs or the crew of the vessel are obliged to inform relevant municipal authorities of the daily movements and operations of the vessel in order to ensure the safety of beach users in the vicinity of operations, if so, what are the relevant details, if not, why not;

(5) whether she has found that any liability can be ascribed to (a) the operators of the vessel or (b) the Department of Environmental Affairs for attacks by sharks on bathers that can be linked to the operations of the vessel, if so, what are the relevant details; if not, why not?

899. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) (a) After 2 hours at a particular site and on a particular day

(b) If it is clear that chumming with fish products is not attracting sharks (after 2 hours).

(c) The authorised departmental official on board

(d) Locally developed protocol subsumed within research permit conditions.

(2) (a) No.

(b) No.

The research takes place for a limited time in each area. The departmental official on board would exercise oversight.

(3) (a) Yes,

Leg 1 (Mossel Bay and Algoa Bay): Approximately 350kg of tuna was used.

Leg 2 (Struis Bay to False Bay): 13 tuna of approximately 15 kg each.

(b) Leg 1 (Mossel Bay and Algoa Bay): 20-40kg of sardines.

Leg 2 (Struis Bay to False Bay): 27.5kg chum per day

Approximately half a litre of marine mammal oils have been used.

(4) Yes. In cases where bathing is prevalent such as False Bay.

(5) (a) No.

(b) No.

There is no evidence that there is a link between the current research on sharks and the shark attack.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO 892

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 APRIL 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 09)

892. Mr A Watson (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether the Department of Water has any plans to attract retired engineers back from retirement to assist in the construction and maintenance of water infrastructure; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether there are any retired engineers assisting the Department of Water in any capacity; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1070E

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REPLY:

(1) Yes. The Department has secured access to the database of retired engineers from the Department of Public Works. The database has been circulated to the relevant Chief Directors who are in the process of identifying individuals with the required competencies, with a view to engage them.

(2) Yes. There are currently four (4) retired engineers assisting the Department as followings.

· Engaged on contract as a Specialist Engineer in the Branch NWRI: Chief Directorate: Construction (name furnished).

· Engaged on contract as a Engineer Production Grade B in the Branch NWRI: Chief Directorate: Construction (name furnished).

· Engaged on contract as a Chief Engineer in the Branch NWRI: Chief Directorate Construction (name furnished).

· Engaged on contract as a Chief Engineer in the Branch NWRI: Chief Directorate: Construction (name furnished).

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO 891

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 APRIL 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 09)

891. Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether the water control officer at the Voëlvlei Dam (name furnished) is qualified for the position; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) what is the job description of a water control officer;

(3) what (a) qualifications has the said person achieved and (b) in each case what is the name of the institution that conferred the qualification? NW1069E

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REPLY:

(1) Yes, the control water control officer is qualified for the position in which he is appointed. This post was advertised and he was found to be the best candidate for the position.

(2) The key performance areas of this position includes: see attached

· Calculating and control of bulk water use and releases from government water schemes and the compiling of reports of the Berg and Olifants-Doorn Water Management Areas;

· Co-ordinate and control the development, utilization and placement of water control personnel in the region;

· Ensure that the function of water distribution and water control is executed efficiently in the region and that the water supply policy is adhered to;

· Investigate problems with regard to water supply abstraction control and initiate remedial steps;

· Undertake routine dam safety inspections;

· Operate and maintenance of government water infrastructure;

· Assist with the compilation of the budget with regard to the water supply function;

· Monitoring of water quality and control of alien vegetation;

· Apply health and safety regulations to the schemes.

The position further entails that the incumbent must be able to work under unexpected weather conditions and willing to be on standby duty and willingness to travel extensively between government schemes.

(3)(a) The official obtained a grade 12 qualification in 1986.

(3)(b) National Senior Certificate issued by the Department of Education and Culture, Administration: House of Assembly.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO. 890

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1068E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 April 2012

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether Lion's Head within the Table Mountain National Park has a maintenance plan; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) for each of the past four financial years, (a) how much money has been spent on (i) maintaining and (ii) improving infrastructure on Lion's Head and (b) what is the breakdown of the funds spent;

(3) whether there are any plans to improve (a) paths to the top of Lion's Head and (b) the cement cap at the top of Lion's Head; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) what is the estimated number of people that climbed Lion's Head in 2011;

(5) whether there are any challenges faced by park authorities in managing and maintaining Lion's Head; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

890. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) Lion's Head does not have its own maintenance plan, but is part of a maintenance plan for the Northern Operational Unit of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). The Northern Operational Unit stretches from Signal Hill to Constantia Nek. The unit has a maintenance budget with a specification for veld maintenance, which is applied for the upkeep of footpaths, and a specification for infrastructure (see Table 1 below). In the last four years, the footpaths on Lion's Head received considerable attention, but these amounts are not recorded specifically. A particular intervention last year was the installation of safety handles at a cost of about R20 000 to replace the old chains previously used by climbers. Infrastructure funds were apportioned for the parking area, security hut, and entrance to the main access route. Again, expenditure specific to Lion's Head is not recorded.

(2) (a) (i) and (ii), and (b): Presented below in Table 1 is the actual maintenance expenditure for the TMNP's North Operational Unit, which includes Lion's Head, recorded for the last five financial years since 2007. As mentioned, footpath maintenance is captured under the "Maintenance – Veld" row in the table.

TABLE 1: Maintenance Spend

2011-12

2010-11

2009-10

2008-9

2007-8

TMNP Operations: North

Actual

Actual

Actual

Actual

Actual

Maintenance Costs - TOTAL

988,803

1,480,335

1,554,995

1,157,574

921,385

Maintenance - Buildings

188,799

497,803

376,363

316,888

228,622

Maintenance - Roads

27,095

100,416

163,089

162,707

92,957

Maintenance - Veld

628,658

771,718

617,808

494,083

425,243

Maintenance - Infrastructure

107,788

73,900

331,007

100,070

103,438

Maintenance - Equipment

36,394

36,498

66,729

83,723

71,126

Additional funds apportioned for footpaths on Lions' Head have been made available via the Honorary Rangers Programme and the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP). Once again, these figures are not recorded for Lion's Head specifically. Other veld maintenance funds spent on Lion's Head that are not recorded separately include expenditure for the maintenance of the fire breaks, prescribed burning costs and the clearing of invasive alien plants. These funds amount to several million rand.

(3) (a) The maintenance of footpaths and infrastructure on Lion's Head will continue on a year-to-year basis based on the available budget and maintenance priorities. The budget for the coming years will be in line with the actual expenditure of the past as shown in Table 1 above. In addition, the greater part of 0,5 million rand of EPWP funds will be spent on footpaths in the area of the Northern Operational Unit in the coming year. Footpath priority is related to the impact on the environment, number of users and the safety of users. (b) The cement surface at the top of Lion's Head will be investigated and appropriate remedial measures will be implemented.

(4) A formal survey carried out in the park during 2007/08 revealed that 55 286 people used Lions's Head during that year (during a full moon, 413 people were counted in a 2-hour period between 17:00 and 19:00). If one uses a modest growth factor of 10% per year, the estimated number of users during 2011 was about 75 000 people (during full moon nights, more than 1 000 users – estimated from the number of cars parked below – usually visit Lion's Head).

(5) Lion's Head presents the following management challenges:

(i) Full moon walks up Lion's Head have grown exponentially in popularity and create problems both in carrying capacity and the safety of users. It is estimated that more than 1 000 visitors use Lion's Head on a full moon night. The descent in the dark, together with the use of alcohol, is a growing safety concern for the park management. TMNP management has staff on Lion's Head during every full moon to mitigate this risk.

(ii) The increase in users increases the need for ablution facilities for users. Although it is possible to locate an ablution facility at the main entrance, the absence of water restricts the implementation of an acceptable facility. Waterless systems are used elsewhere in the park, but are not regarded as acceptable by visitors. The TMNP is investigating options for acceptable ablutions.

(iii) The proximity of Lion's Head to the urban edge presents some safety risks. The TMNP have Visitor Safety Rangers patrolling and monitoring the entire area on a daily basis.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO. 889 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1067E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 April 2012

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) How many live rhinos have been exported from South Africa to countries in Asia since 1 January 2007;

(2) in each specified case, what (a) is the name of the (i) exporter, (ii) importer and (iii) country to which the rhinos were exported, (b) number of live rhinos exported and (c) authority in South Africa approved the exportation?

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

889. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) 101

(2)(a)(i)(ii)(iii), (b) and (c) see attached

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO 888

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 APRIL 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 09)

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

(1) With reference to each successful application by a mine for a water use licence since the inception of Project Letsema, what is the (a) name and (b) location of each mine that did (i) consult with affected parties during the licence application process and (ii) not consult with affected parties during the licence application process;

(2) whether there is a prescribed process in terms of which mines applying for water use licences have to consult with affected parties; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she has found that, in the case of each successful application for a water use licence by a mine since the start of Project Letsema, the required due diligence on the mines has been conducted before awarding the licence; if not, what will be done to rectify the situation; if so, how was this conclusion reached;

(4) whether she intends to release documents related to water use licence applications by mines to affected parties on request, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether the Department of Water Affairs intends to consider publishing details of water use licences for real-time access via the internet; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1066E

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REPLY:

(1) Refer to attached Annexure A, for the list of (a) names and (b) locations of each mines issued with water use license since the inception of the Letsema Project.

(1)(i) All mines issued with water use license conducted public consultations with interested and affected parties through different routes, as stipulated in theNational Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (the Act).

(1)(ii) Falls away.

(2) There is a prescribed process to deal with inputs of interested and affected parties that applicants must follow if and as directed to do so by the responsible authority. This is covered in section 41 of the National Water Act. It should be noted that, public participation issues are the requirements of Environmental Impact Assessment processes whereby if water issues are adequately covered, the Department of Water Affairs (the Department) considers the outcome of such processes.

(3) Before awarding of a water use license, due diligence is practiced on each application in terms of among others, section 22, section 27 to 29 and section 41 (2) of the National Water Act. In addition, information is sought from applicants through meetings with applicants, and site inspections.

(4) The documents relating to water use license applications by mines maybe released to affected parties on request if they follow due process as required under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act No. 2 of 2000).Further, section 42 of the National Water Act directs the responsible authority to promptly notify the applicant and any person who may have objected to the application, and if so requested, give written reasons for such decision.

(5) Yes, the Department has considered publishing some details of water use licenses for real-time access via the internet and is in the process of setting up an electronic Water Use License Application Appraisal System (eWULAAS). This will, amongst other things, provide a platform for applicants to apply online and to view the status of their applications through eWULAAS username and passwords. This system will also avail other relevant information and/or documentation necessary to guide applicants when applying for a water use license. It is worth noting that the applicant, and/or person(s) delegated by the applicant will be responsible for the security of their eWULAAS username and passwords. The water use license may however be made available on request to anyone who request and follows proper procedures, as it contains personal and confidential information about the applicant and may not be publicised on the internet.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO. 886

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1064E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 April 2012

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

(1) How many foreign nationals have hunted rhinos in South Africa since 1 July 2009;

(2) in the case of each of the above hunters, (a) what was the nationality of the hunter, (b) in which country was the passport issued and (c) how many rhinos were hunted?

886. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) 384 foreign nationals have hunted rhinos in South Africa since 1 July 2009

Here is the table: http://www.pmg.org.za/files/questions/RNW886-120507.pdf

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO. 864

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1041E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 April 2012

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

(1) Whether the Department of Environmental Affairs has conducted any study to determine whether the blue crane population has increased or decreased during the past 5 years; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings;

(2) whether any steps have been taken following the findings of the report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Dr PJ Rabie (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

864. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) No. In terms of section 43 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), the Department of Environmental Affairs is participating in a process to develop a Biodiversity Management Plan for the Blue Crane in South Africa. This process is led by the Endangered Wildlife Trust with the participation of other stakeholders representing provincial departments, NGOs and other interested and affected parties.

(2) Please refer to 1 above.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO. 840

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 9 NW1017E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 20 April 2012

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

(1) What are the factors that led to the differences in salaries of SANParks' staff on the same post levels which resulted in the strike of SANParks employees in theKruger National Park in February 2012 about disparities in salary scales of field rangers;

(2) whether all disparities in terms of salaries for staff on the same post level in the Kruger National Park can be accounted for in terms of the official policy of SANParks; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) (a) when and (b) in what way were these grievances first brought to the attention of management;

(4) whether any undertakings were given by management to try to find solutions to these grievances; if so, what undertakings were given;

(5) what (a) has contributed to the delays in finding a solution to this labour dispute and (b) offers has management put on the table to resolve this?

Mr A P van der Westhuizen (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

840. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) Some salary disparities are historical; employees in the past were employed based on the minimum of the salary scales and later a compensation policy was introduced which recommended the 30th percentile going forward. SANParks took over some of the responsibilities that were executed by some of the provinces and departments and employees were tranfered with those responsibilities. Salaries that are in excess of the maximum of salary scales, are due to section 197 transfers, where these categories of employees earned salaries that were substantially higher than those of SANParks' employees. The other contributing factor was retention of scarce skills and attracting new talent.

(2) SANParks has introduced a number of interventions, as informed by our Human Resources policies, as an attempt to address this problem, and this process is ongoing, and it also takes into cognisance the budget constraints that we are currently experiencing as an organisation.

(3) (a) A formal grievance was lodged on 24 November 2010 in accordance with the grievance procedure.

(b) Management had already adopted a Remuneration Strategy which also favoures employees in the lower levels. It is also worth mentioning that SANParks is an "employee benefit rich" employer, and if the latter is converted into cash, it does impact positively in the total-cost package.

(4) Management investigated all concerns raised and provided its findings to the aggrieved employees. Further, management made the following undertakings: - 1. Those salary disparities are being addressed holistically, and this exercise is being spread over 2-3 years, taking cognisance of the budgeting process that needs to support it. 2. Job Profiling and re-grading of positions which is about to be finalised, is intended to address internal salary disparities.
3. Discussions with the recognised unions are continuing in order to investigate the extent of the disparities and implement measures to ensure that there are no future cases of disparities

(5) A delay is related to the fact that there is a process of negotiations with the unions that organize at SANParks, as well as the budgetary constraints.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION NO. 806

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW977E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 March 2012

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

(1) (a) What quantity of Panthera leo was exported in 2011 under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live, (ii) skins, (iii) bones, (iv) trophies, (v) specimens, (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls and (b) in each case, what was the name of the (i) exporter, (ii) importer and (iii) country it was exported to;

(2) (a) what quantity of Panthera pardus was exported in 2011 under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live, (ii) skins, (iii) bones, (iv) trophies, (v) specimens, (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls and (b) in each case, what was the name of the (i) exporter, (ii) importer and (iii) country it was exported to;

(3) (a) what quantity of Panthera tigris was exported in 2011 under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live, (ii) skins, (iii) bones, (iv) trophies, (v) specimens, (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls and (b) in each case, what was the name of the (i) exporter, (ii) importer and (iii) country it was exported to;

(4) (a) what quantity of Panthera tigris altaica was exported in 2011 under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live, (ii) skins, (iii) bones, (iv) trophies, (v) specimens, (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls and (b) in each case, what was the name of the (i) exporter, (ii) importer and (iii) country it was exported to;

(5) (a) what quantity of Panthera tigris tigris was exported in 2011 under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live, (ii) skins, (iii) bones, (iv) trophies, (v) specimens, (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls and (b) in each case, what was the name of the (i) exporter, (ii) importer and (iii) country it was exported to?

Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

806. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

The CITES Annual report is only submitted by the provincial conservation authorities in July 2012 for the previous year (2011). We have therefore requested information from the provinces and are awaiting their responses

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION NO. 796

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW967E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 March 2012

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

(1) Whether legislation is in place to protect the status of the Zambezi shark in the lower Breederiver area between Malgas and Witsand/Infanta in the Southern Cape; if not (a) why not, and (b) what steps will she take in this regard;

(2) whether she intends introducing draft legislation to protect the status of the Zambezi shark in this area; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Dr P J Rabie (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

796. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) No

(a) The Zambezi shark is not a protected species.

(b) The department has completed a draft Conservation Plan for Sharks and will consider the status of the Zambezi shark.

(2) Not at this stage. The Conservation Plan for Sharks and the development of an Ocean Policy will guide potential legislation and regulations.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION NO 775

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 MARCH 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 08)

775. Mr J J van der Linde (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 242 on 2 March 2012, all the drilled boreholes have been fitted with pumps; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, what will be done in this regard;

(2) why is the funding for the refurbishment of the Oviston Sterkspruit Barkley wastewater treatment works allocated under drought assistance? NW944E

---00O00---

REPLY:

(1) No, the boreholes have not been fitted with pumps as the funding allocated to the drilling project undertaken at Elundini Local Municipality (LM) encompassed only the testing of boreholes as part of a groundwater source development project as well as the Ncembu spring weir evaluation. The main aim of the testing component was to evaluate the water quality and the long-term abstraction rate of the drilled boreholes to be used as groundwater sources for the existing water supply schemes.

(2) In addition to the National Treasury's drought assistance funding, the Department allocated additional funding for the refurbishment of the Oviston, Sterkspruit and Barkly East Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTWs) from the Department's Accelerated Community Infrastructure Programme (ACIP), a rapid intervention programme aimed at accelerating the achievement of universal access to water and sanitation services by 2014 with a focus on community infrastructure; water conservation and demand management; as well as wastewater infrastructure and refurbishment.

In line with the ACIP objectives stated above, the Sterkspruit WWTW refurbishment is aimed at treating the effluent to a discharge standard which may ensure that the treated effluent can be re-used by downstream users while in the case of the Barkly East WWTW, the treated effluent may be used for irrigation of a nearby golf course and lucerne fields thus reducing the Elundini LM use of clean water or abstracting from the Langkloof River for irrigation purposes.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION NO 774

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 MARCH 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 08)

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

(1) (a) On what dates were the latest two inspections carried out by officials of the Department of Water to Foskor in Richards Bay and (b) in each case, what are the (i) names and (ii) designations of the officials;

(2) whether she has been informed of recent fish kills at the Thulasihleka Pan, below the Foskor site; if not, what steps does she intend to take to ascertain the relevant facts; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she has been informed that a storm water exit on the southern side of the Foskor site flows directly into the receiving environment; if not, what steps does she intend to take to ascertain the relevant facts; if so, on what grounds is this situation deemed acceptable;

(4) whether she has been informed of severe erosion of the area below the conveyor leading from Foskor and that there is dead vegetation below the conveyor; if not, what steps does she intend to take to ascertain the relevant facts; if so, what steps has she taken to rectify the situation;

(5) whether her department has issued any (a) notices or (b) directives have against Foskor in terms of provisions of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, since 1 January 2011; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW943E

REPLY:

(1) The Department of Water Affairs has been addressing this matter by intervening since the heavy floods as it is evident below. Table 1 below indicates the dates, name and designations of official who conducted the latest two site inspections to Forkor in Richards Bay.

Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 1: Name of official and her designation

(a) Date

(b)(i) Name of official

(b)(ii) Designation

2 May 2011

Name furnished

Details furnished

6 May 2012

Name furnished

Details furnished

(2) Yes, as it is evident below, the Department was informed on 6 March 2012 regarding the fish kills at the Thulasihleka Pan and started acting accordingly as required by our mandate The chronological events are as follows:

Day

Action taken

2 March 2012

· The Department was contacted by Foskor with regards to the heavy rains that were predicted and what measures Foskor would put in place.

· The effluent from the dams was pumped through a pipeline out to the sea to keep the dams as low as possible.

3 March 2012

· 240mm of rain fell in Richards Bay.

· Ongoing pumping conducted by Foskor through a pipeline out to the sea.

4 March 2012

· Dams from Foskor overflowed from 6:00 to 24:00.

· Ongoing pumping through a pipeline out to the sea continued.

Day

Action taken

5 March 2012

· Water samples were taken and sent for analysis.

· Ongoing pumping through a pipeline out to the sea continued.

· The system was also flashed with clean water.

6 March 2012

· Dead fish was noted by Foskor.

· Samples were taken and frozen.

· Ongoing pumping through a pipeline to the sea and flushing of the system continued.

7 March 2012

· No new dead fish were noted.

· Water samples were continuously taken.

· Ongoing pumping via the pipeline to sea and flashing of the system continued.

8 March 2012

· No new dead fish noted.

· Water samples were taken.

· Ongoing pumping via the pipeline to the sea and flashing of the system continued.

9 March 2012

· Fish samples were taken to the CSIR for analysis.

10 March 2012

· No new dead fish noted.

· Water sampling and flashing of the pan ongoing.

The Department is waiting for the water samples as well as the fish results from Foskor to determine the next steps to be taken.

(3) Yes, the Department has always been aware of the dams behind Foskor which are used as part of the storm water management on site for Foskor (and not for discharge of effluent into the natural environment). The primary dam has a capacity of 4000m3 and the secondary dam has a capacity of 16 000m3. When the primary dam is full, an outlet allows the effluent to be pumped to the secondary dam. If the secondary dam is full, then, Foskor pumps the effluent out to sea via the Mhlathuze pipeline in terms of their agreement with Mhlathuze Water. The discharge to sea is licensed by the Department.

Notwithstanding the above facts, it must be noted that the Richards Bay area was impacted by Cyclone Irina and had rainfall in excess of 240mm on 3 March 2012 and as such the water could not be contained by Foskor even with the measures in place because of the Cyclone conditions.

(4) Yes, the Department is aware of the erosion below Foskor. The whole area behind the site was contaminated from operations in the 1980s and 1990s. Foskor is implementing a remediation project to contain and treat the contaminated groundwater. Foskor has completed the risk assessments and has also met with the relevant stakeholders with regards to the remediation. The initial phases of the remediation is being implemented by digging cut off trenches to capture contaminated water and pump it back to the storm water dams. The dead vegetation is also due to the day lighting of groundwater from Foskor as the groundwater has a low pH.

(5)(a) The Department issued a notice on 22 July 2011 for a storm water pipe that was discharging effluent into the Upper Pan and to implement measures to rehabilitate the Upper Pan, which was implemented by Foskor.

(5)(b) No Directives have been issued by the Department as Foskor immediately stopped the flow of stormwater from their site into the upper Pan and implemented remedial measures.

Reply received: March 2012

QUESTION NO. 768
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW937E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 March 2012
Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) What quantity of Panthera leo was exported in 2010 under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live. (ii) skins. (iii) bones. (iv) trophies, (v) specimens. (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls and (b) in each case, what was the name of the (i) exporter:, (ii) importer and (iii) country it was exported to;
(2) (a) What quantity of Panthera pardus was exported in 2010 under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live. (ii) skins. (iii) bones. (iv) trophies, (v) specimens. (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls and (b) in each case, what was the name of the (i) exporter:, (ii) importer and (iii) country it was exported to

(3) (a) What quantity of Panthera tigris was exported in 2010 under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live. (ii) skins. (iii) bones. (iv) trophies, (v) specimens. (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls and (b) in each case, what was the name of the (i) exporter:, (ii) importer and (iii) country it was exported to;

(4) (a) What quantity of Panthera tigris altaica was exported in 2010 under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live. (ii) skins. (iii) bones. (iv) trophies, (v) specimens. (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls and (b) in each case, what was the name of the (i) exporter:, (ii) importer and (iii) country it was exported to;

(5) (a) What quantity of Panthera tigris tigris was exported in 2010 under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in the categories (i) live. (ii) skins. (iii) bones. (iv) trophies, (v) specimens. (vi) bodies and (vii) skulls and (b) in each case, what was the name of the (i) exporter:, (ii) importer and (iii) country it was exported to;

768. THE MlNlSTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

The Department of Environmental Affairs has referred the matter to the provinces and is awaiting their responses. Alternatively, the responses may be sourced through responses from the provinces.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION NO. 767

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW936E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 March 2012

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

With reference to her reply to question 259 on 11 March 2011, what are the names of the (a) sellers, (b) buyers and (c) destination countries for each of the live Panthera tigris that were exported in (i) 2009 and (ii) 2010?

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

767. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

The following information was received from the Provincial Conservation Authorities:

Buyer

Seller

Destination

Year

Shaikh Ahmed Nasser Al Mula

Cango Wildlife Ranch

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

2009

Udulla Hamad

Hwaneej Farm

Martin Krog

Wildlife Assignments

UAE

2009

HRH Sheik Ahmed Naser

JJ van der Westhuizen

UAE

2009

Ali Abdulla

G Loser

UAE

2009

Shaikh Ahmed Nasser Al Mula

Cango Wildlife Ranch

UAE

2009

Ashgabat Zoo

Bester Birds & Animal Zoo Park

Turkmenistan

2010

Bac Son Tourism and Construction Investment Group

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

Vietnam

2010

Bac Son Tourism and Construction Investment Group

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

Vietnam

2010

David Zhorzholadze

African Animals (Ltd) Zoo Park

BB Joubert

Tanzania

2010

African Animals (Ltd)

JH Pretorius

Mafunyane Game Reserve

Tanzania

2010

Le Thanh Thai Co Ltd

Bester Birds & Animal Zoo Park

Vietnam

2010

HH Shaikha

Martin Krog

Wildlife Assignments

UAE

2010

HH Shaikha

Martin Krog

Wildlife Assignments

UAE

2010

H H Almed

A J Steyn

UAE

2010

Ling Aung,

Paramee, Yangan

A J Steyn

UAE

2010

H H Shaiker

G Loser

Myanmar

2010

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION NO. 766

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW935E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 March 2012

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether, with reference to trade figures contained in the database of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) for 2010 (details furnished), the 91Panthera leo skeletons that were exported to Vietnam are in addition to the 235 Panthera leo carcasses that were exported to the Lao People's Democratic Republic as reflected in her reply to question 259 on 11 March 2011 and question 1134 on 11 April 2011; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

766. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

Yes, according to the CITES Annual report for 2010, three (3) permits were issued in 2010 for the export of Panthera leo skeletons to Vietnam. Details:

Permit number

Quantity (skeletons)

Destination

111040

72

Vietnam

111933

9

Vietnam

109502

10

Vietnam

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION NO. 765

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 8 NW934E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 March 2012

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

(1) With reference to a certain press statement (details furnished), (a) why is SANParks no longer providing information on incidents of rhino poaching and (b) who took the decision that the Department of Environmental Affairs would be responsible for releasing all information on rhino poaching and related matters;

(2) whether SANParks is still permitted to communicate proactively on actions it is taking to curb rhino poaching; if not, how can this be justified; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether this directive has been communicated to all SANParks staff; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether the prohibition on communicating on matters relating to rhino poaching affects any of the provincial conservation departments; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mr G R Morgan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

765. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) (a) SANParks was mandated in August 2008 by the then Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, in a MINMEC sitting at the Zimbali Resort, KwaZulu-Natal to coordinate all rhino poaching matters including reporting on incidents related to rhino poaching in national parks, provincial parks and, where possible, private game reserves. Since then SANParks has found itself burdened with the responsibility of being expected to comment on national policy matters and relations with sovereign states which is something that is clearly outside of their mandate and jurisdiction. In view of the current situation, SANParks will continue to compile and collate national statistics on rhino poaching. However, public comment on these and other matters of national significance will rest with the national body, the Department of Environmental Affairs. SANParks will, however, be required to continue to make public or media comments on rhino management issues specifically linked to SANParks or the national parks under its management.

(b) The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs in her capacity as the political head responsible for SANParks took the decision.

(2) SANParks is still commenting on rhino management matters related specifically to SANParks.

(3) All relevant SANParks employees have been informed of this decision.

(4) The decision does not apply or affect any of the provincial conservation departments since the focus is on the communication of national anti-rhino poaching efforts and the release of national statistics.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION NO 686

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 MARCH 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 08)

86. Mr J J van der Linde (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether the Department of Water Affairs is providing any assistance to the Hoedspruit community in Maruleng Municipality which has been without water or in receipt of poor quality water since the floods affected the operation of the water treatment works on 18 January 2012; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) what has she found to be the reason why the Department of Public Works is the licensed operator of the treatment works for Hoedspruit town and not the local municipality or district municipality;

(3) whether the Department of Water Affairs is providing any assistance to the local or district municipality to construct an entirely new water treatment facility; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW848E

REPLY:

(1) Upon noting the damages caused by the floods in the Drakensig Water Treatment Works, the Department as part of the key stakeholders participating in the Joint Operation Committee, swiftly deployed five Water Quality Technicians to assist in analysis of (the physical, chemical and bacteriological) quality of water and its supply area within the whole of the Maruleng Local Municipality. In addition, the Department availed two Community Development Officers to conduct awareness about water related diseases to farmers and community members.

As the area is set to receive disaster funding, the Mopani District Municipality as the water services authority responsible for the provision of water and sanitation services in the Maruleng Municipal area is providing water tanks as a short term solution and drilling of 12 boreholes as a medium term solution. Other interventions such as the construction of an elevated tank and pipeline are also planned as part of the measures to improve sustainable water supply.

(2) The Drakensig Water Treatment Works, as well as the Drakensig Military Base buildings were constructed (as a package) by the Department of Public Works during 1974 solely for the supply of water to the Military Base hence the license was issued to them as owners of the plant. However, due to the establishment of the Hoedspruit area, the water treatment works also supplies water to the local community.

(3) The Mopani District Municipality has acquired land for the construction of a new water treatment works which (as at 2008) was estimated to cost R62 million. However, in order for the funding of the water treatment works to be considered, a thorough planning process is being undertaken which include amongst other things (a) conducting of a feasibility study (b) application of a water use license for abstraction, depending on the outcomes of the feasibility study (c) compilation of a technical report which the Department will assess as part of the appraisal process and finally (d) the registration of the project under the Municipal Infrastructure Grant funding.

Reply received: March 2012

QUESTION 674

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER : 16 MARCH 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 08)

674. Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether her department leases office space in the Manaka Continental building in Pretoria from a certain company (name furnished); if so, what is the (a) yearly rental and (b) floor space of its (i) new and (ii) previous premises;

(2) whether her department publicly invited tenders; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) where was it published, (c) which (i) companies and (ii) properties were shortlisted and (d) what was the (i) floor space and (ii) rental of each property that was shortlisted?

NW834E

REPLY:

(1) As legally required the Department of Public Works signed a lease agreement in 2007 of the Manaka Continental building in Pretoria.

(1)(a) In terms of the lease agreement the rental is R5 070 439.20

(1)(b)(i) The floor space of the new premises is 4133 m2

(1)(b)(ii) The floor space of previous premises was 3345 m2

(2)(a) No. The Department of Public Works is the custodian of office accommodation and is responsible for the leasing office accommodation on behalf of all Government Departments.

(2)(b) Falls away.

(2)(c) Falls away.

(2)(d) Falls away.

Reply received: March 2012

QUESTION NO. 616 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 7 NW782E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 March 2012

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether any elephants have been killed by poachers since 1 January 2011; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what was the (a) total number killed and (b) location of each poaching incident;

(2) whether he intends taking any steps to prevent an increase in the number of incidents of elephant poaching in the future; if not, why not; if so, what (a) steps and (b) are the further relevant details?

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

616. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) Yes

a) One elephant has been reported poached since January 2011.

b) The afore mentioned poaching incident took place at the Mahlangeni Section of the Kruger National Park

(2) No, I do not intend to take any further steps as the capacity to protect animals from poaching has been strengthened in all national parks.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION NO. 615

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 7 NW781E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 March 2012

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

With reference to her reply to question 91 on 28 February 2012, (a) what were the actual deviations from the record of decision and (b) what progress has been made in each case to resolve the deviation?

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

615. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(a) Although the Department of Environmental Affairs is aware of certain alleged deviations from the Record of Decision (RoD) issued to the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), it is not currently in a position to reveal the details around the alleged deviations as the Green Scorpions of the department is currently conducting an investigation into the matter.

(b) As mentioned above, the Green Scorpions are currently busy with its investigations regarding the alleged contraventions. However, to date, the Green Scorpions conducted a few site inspections and meetings were also held with the ACSA. Furthermore, a Pre-compliance Notice and Directive had been issued to which the ACSA responded. Based on the information received, the Green Scorpions needs to further investigate the alleged deviations.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION NO. 614 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 7 NW780E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 March 2012

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) (a) What is the current estimated rhino population in the Kruger National Park (KNP) and (b) how many rhinos were killed in the KNP (i) in (aa) 2008, (bb) 2009, (cc) 2010 and (dd) 2011 and (ii) during the period 1 January 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) whether a census of the rhino population in the KNP has been conducted recently; (No) if so, what are the relevant details; if not,

(3) whether he intends commissioning such a census; (No) if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

614. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1)

a) White rhinos: between 9 000 and 12 000

Black rhinos between 670 and 760

b) i) aa) 2008 – 36 – with criminals arrested and convicted

bb) 2009 – 50 – with criminals arrested and convicted

cc) 2010 – 146 – with criminals arrested and convicted

dd) 2011 – 252 – with criminals arrested and convicted

ii) 1 Jan 2012 to 14 March 2012 – 45 – with criminals arrested and convicted

(2) Census surveys are carried out at 2 to 3 year intervals. The most recent survey for white rhinos was done in 2010.

(3) The next census will be conducted during the dry season of 2012.

Reply received: March 2012

QUESTION NO 613

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 09 MARCH 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 07)

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

(a) What vacancies currently exist at senior management level in the Department of Water and (b) in each case, (i) how long has the post been vacant and (ii) when is it envisaged that the post will be filled? NW779E

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REPLY:

(a) Currently there are 122 filled posts and 59 vacancies.

The department is currently busy with a business process re-engineering, which came about, amongst others, because I found many posts created but not filled, a need to re-align capacities to functions, systems to task etc. Added to this, was inability to find the specialised skilled candidates like in the fields of engineering and project management.

Post Level

Total

Filled

Vacant

%

16

4

4

0

100

15

10

7

3

30

14

38

24

14

36

13

129

87

42

32

Total

181

122

59

32

(b)(i) The vacancy period ranges from one month to two years. The two years are made up of the nine posts of regional project managers that were created two year ago but never filled. These posts have now been advertised and the shortlisting completed, with appointments taking place in the next two to three months.

(b)(ii) It is envisaged that the interviews will take place in April 2011 and that most of these posts will be filled by June 2012.

Reply received: March 2012

QUESTION NO 612

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 09 MARCH 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 07)

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

(1) Whether she has found that there is sufficient dilution capacity to ameliorate the (a) untreated acid mine drainage and (b) neutralised acid mine drainage decanting from basins in the Witwatersrand between now and the end of 2014; if so, how was this conclusion reached; if not, what are the relevant details;

(2) what steps does she intend to take to rectify the situation? NW778E

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REPLY:

(1)(a) Yes, in the Western Basin region of the Witwatersrand, untreated acid mine drainage (AMD) flowing north into the Crocodile catchment is diluted by partially-treated mine water and other water sources such as springs and tributaries of the Crocodile River. After the dilution from these sources, water quality monitoring in the Crocodile catchment shows significant improvement on the water resources.

(1)(b) Yes, the short-term plan for treating the AMD in the Witwatersrand takes into account the impact of residual sulphate in the treated mine water. In order to ensure the sulphate level in the water is maintained at a standard fit for downstream users, dilution releases from the Vaal River System (VRS) will be required. Current VRS water quality and quantity modelling shows that demand on the VRS permit the release of fresh water to maintain water at standards fit for downstream users. However, as part of the Vaal Reconciliation Strategy, all salt loading (including the discharge of the neutralised AMD) on the VRS must be removed by 2014.

(2) It is accepted that the discharge of the neutralised AMD containing high residual sulphate levels into the VRS is not sustainable. For this reason, the short-term treatment of the AMD will only operate as an emergency intervention to treat the current decant of the AMD in the Western Basin, and prevent decant in the Eastern and Central areas. The long-term study for the mine water management in the Witwatersrand is underway and this study will take into account all factors for the development of a solution towards the sustainable management of the AMD.

Reply received: March 2012

QUESTION NO 611

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 09 MARCH 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 07)

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

(1) (a) Which water courses' ecological reserves have been determined and (b) when was the study concluded in each case;

(2) (a) which water courses' ecological reserves have not been determined and (b) in each case, when is it expected that the determination will be concluded;

(3) whether she has been informed of any challenges to determining the ecological reserves of water courses; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether the information on water courses of which the ecological reserves have been determined has been considered during decision making on allocations of water use; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW777E

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REPLY:

(1) Kindly refer to the attached Annexure A which provides details of completed Ecological Reserves for the respective areas, the level of confidence of the reserves and the year in which they were completed. Reserves have been concluded in various quaternary drainage areas in all the 19 Water Management Areas of South Africa starting from 1999. In addition, preliminary ecological desktop Reserves (low confidence Reserves) have been completed at the outlet of all 1 946 quaternary catchments in South Africa.

(2)(a) As indicated above, preliminary Ecological Desktop Reserves (low confidence Reserves) have been completed at the outlet of all 1 946 quaternary catchments in South Africa. Varying levels of confidence of reserves have been determined in all the Water Management Areas based on the available resources and the different impacts of water use in the various water resources.

(2)(b) Currently, the High Confidence Ecological Reserves for the Outeniqua catchment, Upper Vaal catchment, and Crocodile East catchment are under review by my Department and will be finalised by the end of April 2012. High Confidence Reserves for the Middle and Lower Vaal catchments, Mzimvubu to Keiskamma, and Mvoti to Umzimkhulu are in the final stages and will be completed during 2012. In April 2012, my Department will initiate high confidence reserve studies in the Gouritz and the Usutu to Mhlathuze Water Management Areas.

(3) I am aware of the challenges experienced in determining the Reserve for the significant water resources in the country, which include limited availability of skilled technical personnel and funds. High Confidence Reserves are costly, highly technical and require several years to complete as the environmental flow patterns, and impacts thereof cannot be determined in a year.

Inadequate availability of data such as relevant and updated hydrology, (observed flow records of rivers), sufficient water quality data records, and a lack of flow recorders at estuarine mouths, poses challenges for the successful conducting and implementation of Reserves. This would require additional work in the form of simulations that would be carried out based on information available from the nearest water resource.

(4) The Ecological Reserve is taken into account when the Yield modelling for a catchment is being determined as part of water reconciliation or infrastructure development projects. The Reserve is then used to determine what is allocable within that catchment, and this allocable portion is considered in decisions regarding water use authorisations. Specific conditions are then recommended to either safe guard the Reserve requirements or to provide mitigation options to improve the present state of the water resource in cases where the catchment is stressed and over committed.

The Ecological Reserve requirements have been utilised in the development of Catchment Management Strategies, such as the Breede/Overberg and the Inkomati, as well as in provincial plans such as Estuarine Management Plans.

Reply received: March 2012

QUESTION NO 561

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 09 MARCH 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 07)

561. Mr E H Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether her departments have internal audit units; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (a) how many staff members are employed in the units and (b) what (i) is the structure and (ii) are the functions of the units;

(2) whether the audit committee considers the internal audit reports; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she holds meetings to discuss (a) the internal reports and (b) their findings with the audit unit; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (i) on what dates since she took office has each specified meeting taken place and (ii) what are the further relevant details? NW726E

REPLY:

(1)(a) The Department has an internal audit unit, which has 40 positions of which 33 are filled.

(1)(b) The functions of the units are tabulated below.

NO.

(1)(b)(i) The structure (Organisational Level)

(1)(b)(ii) Functions of the units

1.

Chief Directorate: Internal Audit (level 14)

Assumes the role of Chief Audit Executive by providing a strategic direction to Internal Audit activity of the Department. Internal Auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organisation's operations. It helps an organisation accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance process.

2.

Directorate: Compliance and performance audit (Level 13)

Develop and implement a Departmental risk based audit plan which includes assessments and performance audit engagement. Conduct assurance and performance audits.

3.

Directorate: Information Technology Audit (Level 13)

Develop and implement the Department's ICT audit plans. Conduct audit on general control and applications controls. Also perform data analysis.

4.

Directorate: Forensic investigations and quality (Level 13)

Conduct Forensic audit services within the Department. Develop and implement Department's fraud prevention and anti-corruption strategy. Promotes fraud awareness campaigns. Develop and implement quality assurance programmes within internal audit.

(2) Yes, the Audit Committee considers the Internal Audit reports during the quarterly Audit Committee Meetings.

(3)(a) Yes, Executive Committee Meetings are held to discuss among other things internal audit reports and their findings.

(3)(b)(i) The most recent meeting was held on 6 February 2012.

(3)(b)(ii) Various internal audit reports have been discussed.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION NO. 553

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 7 NW714E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 March 2012

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

(1) Whether, with regard to the draft policy directions on Exploitation of the Digital Dividend Spectrum and Radio Frequency Spectrum for Electronic Communications Services in terms of section 3(2) of the Electronic Communications Act, Act 36 of 2005, (details furnished), she has been informed of concerns raised by the environment ministry of India regarding the negative effects on the environment; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps is her department taking to ensure that 4G and Long Term Evolution (LTE) do not have any negative impact on the environment;

(2) whether her department has conducted its own research into the matter; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings; and

(3) whether her department has met with the Department of Communications in this regard; if not, why not; if so, (a) when did the meetings take place and (b) what was the outcome of the meetings?

Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

553. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) As Minister, I am aware of the concerns raised by various parties related to the impacts of 4G and Long-term Evolution (LTE) technology on human health and the environment. Through my Department, I have been in contact with the Department of Health which, through its Directorate: Radiation Control, has the mandate to consider the effects of electromagnetic fields. The Department of Health is involved in and follows current international research into the effects of electromagnetic fields and has adopted international guidelines in this respect to ensure the protection of the citizens of the country.

(2) The Department of Health indicated in correspondence that it has undertaken measurement surveys of actual levels of public exposure to electromagnetic fields in the country. The surveys have shown that actual exposure levels, as a result of base station emissions, are only a fraction of the World Health Organisation's and the International Commission's Guidelines on Non-ionising Radiation Control.

(3) Over and above the current interactions with the Department of Health, the Department of Environmental Affairs has requested a meeting with the Department of Communications and the Department of Health to be further briefed about the findings of international research being undertaken to ensure the safety of these technologies.

(a) Falls away.

(b) Falls away.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION NO. 536 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 7 NW688E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 March 2012

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

Whether her department has calculated the extent of damage caused by the recent flooding in the Kruger National Park (KNP) in January 2012; if so, what (a) is the estimated financial impact on the tourism potential of the KNP and (b) assistance does her department intend to offer the KNP in this regard?

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

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

536. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

Yes my Department has calculated the extent of damage caused by recent flooding in the Kruger National Park in January 2012

a) The financial impact on the tourism potential is estimated at R74 919 642

b) The Department of Environmental Affairs is facilitating the application for disaster management grant funding through the National Disaster Management Centre under the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

Reply received: March 2012

QUESTION NO. 508

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 7 NW549E

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 9 March 2012

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

(1) Whether SA National Parks (SANParks), in conjunction with provinces, has approved the issuing of permits for hunting rhino in the greater Kruger National Park since 1 January 2010; if so, (a) how many hunting permits have been approved and (b) in respect of which areas;

(2) whether there were any special conditions attached to these permits; if not, why not; if so, what conditions;

(3) whether she intends to stop the issuing of permits for hunting rhino in view of the large number of rhinos lost to poaching; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

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

HANSARD

PAPERS OFFICE

PRESS

508. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:

(1) No permits have been issued as hunting is not permitted in National Parks.

(2) Not applicable

(3) Not applicable