Deputy Speaker, decisions regarding the pumping and treatment of acid mine water drainage are said to have been taken unilaterally without any public involvement or participation. The urgency of the situation is obvious but cannot be used to defend the department's failure to consult.
Hon Minister, why is it that interested and affected parties were not given the opportunity to be heard? We hear a fair amount about acid mine water drainage, but we are less familiar with the danger posed by radioactive pollutants and the alarming levels in Krugersdorp and Randfontein. Of particular concern is the fact that reconstruction and development houses are being built on radioactive land in the Witpoortjie area in Krugersdorp. Informal settlements continue to grow on contaminated lands. It doesn't take a lot of radiation to cause serious health problems, especially in children.
Community effluent and industrial waste also need urgent attention, and every department seems to be passing the buck. Just as alarming is the rapid spreading of the blue-green algae that creates a toxin found to be the cause of many debilitating diseases, of which deep layers have accumulated in many rivers and dams in the country.
The ACDP is concerned that this budget will not enable the department to take the necessary measures to address these problems and calls for targeted funding for specific projects. Urgent attention must also be given to the present lack of accountability. We will, however, be supporting this budget.