Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs: Reports

Meeting report

Opening Remarks by the Chairperson
The Chairperson informed Members that 2010 would be a busy year for the Committee and highlighted the debate on global warming as a key area of focus. She noted that the Committee would travel to different provinces to conduct public hearings regarding the issue of climate change. She recalled the discussions that had taken place in the previous year around this issue and mentioned that the Committee’s proposals would be considered by Parliament.

Consideration of Outstanding Minutes
The Chairperson tabled five sets of minutes for consideration. These minutes were dated 19 August 2009, 26 August 2009, 2 September 2009, 3 November 2009 and 10 November 2009 for consideration.

Members highlighted a few minor errors and adopted all the minutes with amendments.

The Chairperson tabled a further two sets of minutes for consideration. These minutes were dated 9 September 2009 and 4 November 2009.

Dr Z Luyenge (ANC) noted that the Eastern Cape had raised many issues which were not captured in the Minutes dated 9 September 2009. He asked that this be rectified.

The Chairperson agreed with this observation and added the Eastern Cape was the most problematic province when it came to service delivery challenges.

Ms H Ndudu (COPE) suggested that they not adopt the Minutes as it needed to be changed to capture the true reflection of the discussion in that meeting.

The Committee agreed and decided that they would postpone their decision to adopt the minute.

The Committee also decided not to adopt the minutes dated 4 November because there was outstanding information that Members needed to be updated on first.

Adoption of Reports by the Joint Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs and Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
The Chairperson tabled three reports by the Joint Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs and Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for consideration. These reports were dated 14 October 2009, 20 October 2009 and 11 November 2009.

All three reports were adopted with minor amendments.

The meeting was adjourned.