Chairperson, South Africa has a unique environment. We have one of the richest of the world's six floral kingdoms and the third highest level of biodiversity in the world. We have been given much, and therefore much is expected of us.
Ek wil graag die aandag vestig op 'n paar van die kwessies wat reg op ons voorstoep is. Die Clanwilliam-dam is die lewe, suurstof en bloed van Clanwilliam en dorpe vanaf Citrusdal tot Springbok. Die veiligheidsregulasies is egter dubbelsinning en die kapasiteit van die dam is verby sy limiet gestrek. Cope moedig dus die plaaslike grootmaat- infrastruktuurprogram aan om 'n oplossing te vind in terme van hierdie dringende kwessie. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[I would like to draw attention to a few of the issues right on our doorstep. Clanwilliam Dam is the life, oxygen and blood of Clanwilliam and towns from Citrusdal to Springbok. However, the safety regulations are ambiguous and the dam's capacity has been stretched beyond its limit. Cope therefore encourages the local bulk infrastructure programme to find a solution to this urgent matter.]
Secondly, Minister, the dam in Camdeboo municipality in Graaff-Reinet is endangering the lives of people close to the dam. The maintenance costs of the dam are too high for the municipality itself. We therefore strongly suggest that the department take over the maintenance of the dam to ensure safety for the citizens of Graaff-Reinet.
Agb lede van hierdie Huis sal onthou dat Beaufort-Wes sedert 2010 'n ernstige droogte belewe. Hierdie droogte is vererger deur klimaatsverandering en het 'n groot las op die munisipaliteit geplaas. Meer onlangs is 'n waterherwinningsplant genstalleer om die las van voldoende watertoevoer na die dorp te verlig. Ons moet egter in die toekoms 'n langtermynoplossing vir droogtegeteisterde dorpe soos Beaufort-Wes kry. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Hon members of this House will remember that Beaufort West has been experiencing a serious drought since 2010. This drought has been aggravated by climate change, placing a big burden on the municipality. More recently a water recovery plant was established to relieve the burden of adequate water supply to the town. In the future we must, however, find a long-term solution for drought-stricken towns such as Beaufort West.]
We are aware of the challenges facing the Department of Water Affairs. In 2010, only 30 municipalities were functional in terms of municipal water service provision, 110 were dysfunctional, 99 were high-risk, and the situation at 23 municipalities was critical. This issue is the mandate of both the Departments of Co-operative Governance and Water Affairs.
Meer kommerwekkend is die instandhouding van die grootmaatwaterinfrastruktuur wat nog steeds 'n probleem is. Die Stad Kaapstad moet R60 miljoen betaal vir waterlekkasies wat te danke is aan groot, gebarste pype. Dit is 'n vermorsing van water en geld. Verder, in plaas daarvan om goeie dienste aan ons burgers te verskaf, hou die departement aan konsentreer op lopende tariewe eerder as om behoorlike dienslewering aan ons gemeenskappe te verskaf. Di benadering moet verander. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[More worrying is the maintenance of the bulk water infrastructure, which still remains a problem. The City of Cape Town has to pay R60 million for water leakages due to large, burst pipes. This is a waste of water and money. Furthermore, instead of providing good services to our citizens, the department continues to focus on current tariffs, rather than rendering proper services to our communities. This approach will have to change.]
In order to align ourselves with the President's call for job creation, the filling of vacancies is of vital importance. Skills are desperately required in the water sector, without which we cannot move forward. I thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]