Committee Programme 2001

WATER AFFAIRS AND FORESTRY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
14 March 2001
COMMITTEE PROGRAMME 2001

Chairperson: Ms B P Sonjica

Documents: Water Affairs and Forestry Portfolio Committee Programme for 2001 (See Appendix)

SUMMARY
The Committee agreed on its proposed Committee Programme for 2001. It also discussed National Water Week and its need for Committee Identity Cards.

MINUTES
This was the Committee's first meeting of the year.

2001 Committee Programme
The Chairperson went over the proposed Committee Programme, or Business Plan, for 2001, reminding the Committee that the programme is flexible and only a provisional document.

The briefing on the Kyoto Protocol is so that the Committee can know what is happening there since South Africa will soon be signing.

The Lesotho briefing will focus on how people resettled by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project were compensated.

The briefing on 30 May by Globe on climate and its effect on water is a mistake since the briefing is also scheduled for 5 April. This means 30 May is open.

Mr Maimane (ANC) moved the programme be adopted.

Mr McIntosh (DP) said he agreed with the programme in general but suggested cholera be given special attention in the sanitation briefing. He also suggested special accommodation be made for the Water Boards in that the hearings planned for 6 June might not give them enough time.

The Chairperson agreed special time should be allocated for the Committee to listen to Water Boards about the provision of water services for free since this has special implications for them.

The Committee also agreed and suggested this take place on 30 May. All agreed.

The Committee adopted the programme.

National Water Week
A Parliamentary Liaison Officer reviewed the Calendar of Events for National Water Week with the Committee (please see www-dwaf.pwv.gov.za). He said the focus of these events is on youth. Young people can share what they learn with their parents and it is also an investment to educate young people.

Mr Phala (ANC) asked how Committee members would participate in the events.

The Committee agreed they would participate in their own provinces.

A member noted Northern Province is not included in the National Water Week events. This was taken note of.

Identity Cards
Mr Phala asked when they would receive cards identifying them as members of the Water Affairs and Forestry Portfolio Committee.

The Chairperson said this will be raised with the Minister.

ANNEX 1

PROGRAMME FOR THE YEAR 2001
THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WATER AFFAIRS AND FORESTRY