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Ref: 02/1/5/2
MINISTER
QUESTION NO. 2180 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
A draft reply to Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to the above-mentioned question is
enclosed for your consideration.
Ms Nosipho Ngcaba
DIRECTOR-GENERAL
DATE:
DRAFT REPLY APPROVED/AMENDED
MRS B E E MOLEWA, MP
MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
DATE:
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
(For written reply)
QUESTION NO. 2180
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25 NW2552E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 August 2011
Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
1) Whether she has been informed of the environmental impact
assessment that has been completed for the purpose of a housing
development on portion 26 of Kromdraai in the Mogale City
municipal area in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site;
if so, (a) what are the outcomes and (b) recommendations of the
assessment;
2) whether there have been any contraventions, in this instance, of
the ruling of the High Court (details furnished) that no
dwelling may be erected on the property unless it is erected in
terms of the applicable laws, by-laws and regulations; if not,
what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the
relevant details;
3) whether she has been informed that the illegal development of
the area could threaten the continued status of the area as a
World Heritage Site; if so, what steps have been taken to (a)
safeguard the integrity of the site and (b) meet the
requirements for the management of the area to ensure its
continued status as a World Heritage Site;
4) whether any plans or programmes have been put in place to
provide the illegal occupiers with alternative accommodation in
a more suitable environment; if not, why not; if so, what are
the relevant details in respect of (a) timelines, (b)
alternative accommodation and (c) programmes of action;
(5) Whether the Department of Arts and Culture has made any
representation to her with regard to the application to develop
a Community Multi-Purpose Centre; if not, what is the position
in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Ms A M Dreyer (DA)
SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
2180. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
1. No. Generally, the competent Provincial Authority does not inform the
minister of decisions made on EIA applications. There is no
information on the housing development on Portion 26. A pre-
application/EIA/Exemption application for a Multi Purpose Community
Centre (MPCC) (002/08-09/N0029) was submitted by the West Rand
District Municipality (WRDM) to GDARD on 29 November 2004. The
available information indicates that authorisation for the MPCC was
refused on 29 May 2008. A Conference Centre was authorised by GDARD on
9 April 2008.
2. No. The department is not aware of the ruling of the High Court
regarding the abovementioned.
3. No. The relevant authorities are committed to abiding by and enforcing
all laws, by-laws and regulations as they relate to developments
within a World Heritage Site. There are at present no immediate
threats to the continued status of the area as a World Heritage Site.
4. Yes. The Cradle of Humankind Management Authority (MA) did approve on
24 May 2011 the provision of temporary services to 45 families that
were resident on the site at the time of the purchase of the land by
the West Rand District Municipality. The above authorization, however
stipulated that the WRDM must provide the MA with a formal plan for
the final settlement of the 45 families concerned on a suitable site
within one year from the date of the authorisation.
5. No, the available information indicates that authorisation for the
Community Multi-Purpose Centre was refused on 29 May 2008.
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