Chairperson, though the UDM supports Budget Vote No 34, I would like to use this declaration and again appeal that urgent attention be given to a policy area.
Our country suffers from a severe scarcity of water. Research indicates that the country will become even drier. Furthermore, we have a growing population. Whilst urbanisation towards Gauteng and the coastal regions places an even larger burden on areas already suffering from a shortage of water, long-term planning is required to address this undeniable issue.
Even if all current conservation and development strategies are implemented to their fullest extent, we might still face severe water shortages in 10 years' time. When those shortages occur, the price of water will rise until the poor can literally not afford water and the economy will be squeezed, as farms and factories cannot remain profitable with escalating water costs.
The department is not showing enough urgency in pursuing such alternatives. For instance, desalination of sea water is actively being researched and developed by numerous countries. Yet, South Africa remains a reluctant participant in this most obvious water resource solution. Thank you, Chairperson.
Vote agreed to.
Schedule put and agreed to.