The Department of Water and Environmental Affairs is a department which certainly has problems, but there is a new Minister in place in this particular department, and there is a turnaround strategy, which is under way. For the last two years, the DA has opposed this budget, because the turnaround strategy was never evident, but now there is one. It is important, however, to note what some of those problems are, so that we can hold the Minister to account over the next year. Indeed, we are lending support for this budget in this particular financial year.
The Water Trading Entity, with its disclaimer opinion, needs urgent attention. The Water Trading Entity cannot reliably provide information on fees collected from water users. It must be noted that for the last 23 months there has not been a permanent director-general in place in this department. Granted, the director-general was suspended and was ultimately removed from her position because of corrupt activities which she performed. For that we commend the department and the Minister, but ultimately there has been no permanent leadership in that department.
This is, however, a department with many good public servants who want to see change in this department, who want to deliver water to all the many South Africans who don't currently have it, who want to deal with the water quality issues. Therefore we lend our support because we want them to turn the situation around over the current year. Added to that, it is important that the backlog in water use licences is dealt with. This has been going on for far too long now. Added to that, the more than 100 mines without water licences have to be dealt with as well.
We commend the Minister for the action that has been taken on acid mine drainage, at last, albeit slow. It is important that that is accelerated as well. The DA will be watching the performance of the Minister and this department keenly over the next year, and we hope that we can again support this budget next year. [Applause.]
Deputy Speaker, decisions regarding the pumping and treatment of acid mine water drainage are said to have been taken unilaterally without any public involvement or participation. The urgency of the situation is obvious but cannot be used to defend the department's failure to consult.
Hon Minister, why is it that interested and affected parties were not given the opportunity to be heard? We hear a fair amount about acid mine water drainage, but we are less familiar with the danger posed by radioactive pollutants and the alarming levels in Krugersdorp and Randfontein. Of particular concern is the fact that reconstruction and development houses are being built on radioactive land in the Witpoortjie area in Krugersdorp. Informal settlements continue to grow on contaminated lands. It doesn't take a lot of radiation to cause serious health problems, especially in children.
Community effluent and industrial waste also need urgent attention, and every department seems to be passing the buck. Just as alarming is the rapid spreading of the blue-green algae that creates a toxin found to be the cause of many debilitating diseases, of which deep layers have accumulated in many rivers and dams in the country.
The ACDP is concerned that this budget will not enable the department to take the necessary measures to address these problems and calls for targeted funding for specific projects. Urgent attention must also be given to the present lack of accountability. We will, however, be supporting this budget.
I rise in unconditional support of this Budget on behalf of the ANC. May I also suggest to those parties that would want to be on the wrong side of history, voting against this Budget, to think again. I would suggest that one day, when the voters ask how you voted on Water Affairs, when your children ask how you voted on Water Affairs, you should not let history catch you on the wrong side of that debate. [Interjections.] Let it not be said one day that you voted against Water Affairs. [Laughter.] The water-hungry voters of this country will not forgive such a betrayal easily, and you will see the results at the next election. [Interjections.]
May I also just echo some of the words of my colleague from the DA and say that our Minister, who was appointed towards the end of last year in this portfolio, has been very open and transparent regarding the challenges faced by this department - and there are a few very big challenges. She has also been very quick, forthcoming and innovative with possible solutions. We, the portfolio committee, as my colleague has pointed out, have been vigorously engaging on these issues and solutions to make sure that they are the right solutions and that we get permanent solutions.
To our colleague in the ACDP, it is very clear to me, my dear, that you have become a paper party. [Interjections.] The only thing you come and argue about in this House are things that you have read somewhere, but you definitely do not get that information from the committee. For the last two days, we have been having public hearings on acid mine drainage, and everything you have just said here is complete and utter nonsense. [Laughter.] You should have come to those committee meetings. We had the experts there, and they could have answered all the questions that you have raised. So, have no fear, we are dealing with the matter, and the department is dealing with the matter. Also, I want to say to all those thousands of workers in the water sector ... [Interjections.] ... I want to thank you. Sorry? Did I say anything controversial? [Laughter.] Don't get so excited.
Except that your time has just expired. [Laughter.]
I thank you very much. Amandla! [Power!] [Applause.]
Vote agreed to.
Schedule put and agreed to (Democratic Alliance and Independent Democrats dissenting).