Chairperson, hon Minister, colleagues, the Adjustments Appropriation Bill before this House is a technical financial Bill which allows the Minister of Finance, in view of changed circumstances, to authorise certain expenditures. These expenditures are now tabled for appropriation.
A total amount of R111 million is appropriated in terms of the Bill before us. However, an amount of R206 000 represents a transfer from column 1 to column 2 of the Schedule to the Second Adjustments Appropriation Act of 1999. This transfer occurred as a result of our co-operation with Germany in hosting regional conferences in preparation for the Urban 21 Conference. Although the City Council of Pretoria indicated that they would make a contribution, the Department of Housing undertook the responsibility of co- hosting the Urban 21 global conference.
Urban 21 is aimed at all experts who are involved in the development of towns and cities and who support the improvement of living and environmental conditions in urban areas. Urban 21 is dedicated to the problems which the growth of the cities generates in developing and industrialised countries. Excessive consumption of resources and social and cultural deprivation in cities represent global problems to which solutions have to be found.
Moreover, cities do not only fulfil the basic needs of their citizens, which are essential for their existence, but also reflect history and cultural traditions in their buildings, streets and squares. Since there is no single, monolithic solution to the problem of cities, our participation in this global conference on sustainable urban development is necessary.
The amount appropriated towards our participation is a transfer item from column 1 to column 2 and therefore does not affect our Budget deficit targets and macroeconomic guidelines. The ANC supports the Bill. [Applause.]