Chairperson, once again I feel a little bit embarrassed that I have to take you backward on the programme. So, I want to sincerely apologise to you and to the House as well.
The response to the question raised by Mr De Beer is that a joint prefeasibility study undertaken between South Africa and Namibia has identified the construction of a dam near Vioolsdrift as a viable alternative to increase the available water yield from the Orange River.
However, a feasibility study to confirm water demands, the environmental flow requirements, optimisation of the size of storage that is required and the engineering design and cost of development is still required. So, there is still outstanding technical work that should reinforce the initial sense that we have as a department.
Prior to this feasibility study, both countries will embark on an initial baseline environmental monitoring of the river this year. Currently, there are ongoing negotiations with Namibia regarding the sharing of costs of the feasibility study, as well as the principles for sharing development costs and sharing water resources. Thank you, Chair.