Chairperson, protocol observed, learning that less than 10% of South Africa's rainfall is available as surface water, induces apprehension not only for environmental enthusiasts but for laymen as well, especially that groundwater resources appear to be limited. Water is life after all.
We need much more stringent regulations for our rivers and an effective enforcement thereof if we are to meet water demand in years to come. We need to safeguard our natural habitat responsibly from climate change. This cannot be the task of the department even though, admittedly, the latter must spearhead any interventions intended to mitigate environmental factors.
The department must also mitigate the serious effects of the production and consumption of coal on the environment, how it pollutes our air and water, and how it contributes to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It is a concern that about three million households burn fuel wood for their energy needs.
How is this sustainable, when thinking of our forests? The department must look at levels of harmful pollutants in our rural homes and establish whether there is no link between the pollution in homes and respiratory illnesses.
Of course, pollution from our homes is nothing compared to emissions from our industrial sector. This is our primary concern, and we seem to be stuck between a rock and a hard place. We need more industrialisation for the creation of jobs, but there is also a need to mitigate the effects of industrialisation on our environment.
We absolutely concur with Minister Molewa's recent utterances that we cannot continue to use water as if it is an unlimited resource. We want to add that when we address water conservation. The UCDP supports Budget Vote 30. [Applause.]