Chairperson, hon Minister of Minerals and Energy in absentia, hon members, the management and storage of nuclear radioactive waste continues to be a global challenge, even in the context of continuous scientific innovation on waste storage. Hence, at Polokwane we all agreed, and I quote:
Our vision of the future includes a sustainable economy where all South Africans, including present and future generations, realise their right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing.
That was a quote from a resolution of the 52nd conference of the ANC in Polokwane in December 2007.
The use of nuclear technology by mankind for both medical and energy purposes brought about a very complex variable in the form of the management and storage of radioactive waste. Scientific development through research and development on radioactive waste management and storage has dominated discourse in the scientific community and raised the interest of various groups throughout the 20th century up to the present. Hence, it is imperative to ensure best practice and uphold sustainable development principles.
As advocates of sustainable development, we believe that the management of radioactive waste cannot be left to chance. It seeks a dedicated state entity to manage the disposal of all waste. To concretise this view, the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute Bill is intended to ensure that a state-owned waste disposal entity is established. The establishment of this entity allows the generators of waste to focus on their core functions and issues of safety. For example, Eskom would no longer be responsible for the disposal of its generated radioactive waste.
In terms of this Bill, the primary task of the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute is to manage radioactive waste disposal on a national basis on behalf of the Minister of Minerals and Energy. The institute will also be responsible for, amongst other things, the production of disposal solutions, the issuing of disposal certificates, managing disposal facilities and designing new facilities when needed. Furthermore, the Bill advocates an improvement in communication with the general public on waste management issues. As a state-owned entity, the financial affairs of the institute will be governed by the Public Finance Management Act. Financing would also derive from the Radioactive Waste Management Fund and loans.
The Bill also outlines responsibilities the generators of radioactive waste would have to meet in order to qualify for a waste disposal certificate. This piece of legislation puts in place strict measures for generators of radioactive waste. They will have to have waste management plans and strictly adhere to the certificate criteria. The entire Vaalputs disposal facility, including all staff, will be incorporated into the institute.
At the 51st conference in Stellenbosch the ANC resolved that decisions on nuclear energy must be based on a comprehensive and transparent environmental impact assessment. As advocates of sustainable development principles, our radioactive waste management policy is premised on transparency. We hold the view that all radioactive waste management activities shall be open and transparent and the public will also have access to the information on radioactive waste management, as long as it does not infringe on the security of radioactive waste material.
The creation of a state-owned institute is critical in ensuring compliance in terms of the safety and security of radioactive material. This entity is correctly positioned in the utilisation of natural resources, whilst promoting socioeconomic development.
I table this important piece of legislation in the House and urge all members to support it and remember that you are all advocates of sustainable development principles. Thank you.
Debate concluded.
Bill, subject to proposed amendments, agreed to in accordance with section 75 of the Constitution.