Chairperson, I refer to the report of the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs on the request from the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs for the exclusion of a portion of state land from the Lowveld National Botanical Garden. In terms of section 34(2) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Act 10 of 2004, a part of a national botanical garden on state land may not be excluded from it except by resolution of both Houses of Parliament. As a result of this, the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs was briefed by the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs on the process followed in the deproclamation of a portion of the Lowveld Botanical Garden in order to expand the N7 national road.
Having deliberated on the matter, the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs recommends that the NCOP resolves to approve the request for the withdrawal of 1,47 hectares of portion 30 and a portion of portion 14 of the farm Boschrand, No 283-JT of state land, from the Lowveld National Botanical Garden. The committee further recommends that, for future developments, the department should ensure that proper consultation with all relevant stakeholders is undertaken before the implementation of projects. I thank you, Chair. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Question put: That the Report be adopted.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
Report accordingly adopted in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.