Accordingly, the Portfolio Committee deemed it prudent to initiate a Committee Bill to effect certain amendments to the National Water Act, 1998 and to submit the same to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr MV Sisulu, MP seeking permission for the introduction of this Bill as a Committee Bill. The purpose of the technical amendments to the relevant sections of the National Water Act, 1998 seek to achieve the alignment and synchronisation of timeframes and processes for the processing of water use licences, environmental authorisations, licences under specific environmental management Acts and other licences, permits or rights in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002, and also to make provision for a synchronised internal appeal process to the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs rather than the current appeal process being the Water Tribunal. This will ensure that all appeals will be finalised within 90 days after the receipt of an appeal.