Chairperson, hon Ministers, the ACDP welcomes government's commitment to clean energy, particularly renewable energy technologies, which sees a 34% increase in budget allocation.
The roll-out of the sustainable traffic solutions initiative is encouraging as the rapidly growing number of solar traffic lights and the proposed installation of solar street lights promise to greatly ease power supply from regular sources. With cable theft, rainstorm disruptions and environmental benefits, solar traffic lights are already reported to be proving their worth.
The ACDP would like to see regulations and incentives set in place, encouraging developers to opt for solar and other renewable solutions. Developments like new shopping centres, for example, should also include plans for solar-powered intersections around the development.
Whilst traffic lights and streetlights become significant users of power by their sheer numbers, mining and smelting are mammoth users of power in concentrated units. Has the department done or considered doing research into alleviating traditional electricity use by utilising alternative energy in these areas?
The ACDP appreciates the important contribution made by mining, but the necessity for accountability and transparency, particularly in the awarding of prospecting and mining rights, cannot be negotiable as economic development must be tempered by water security, food security and biodiversity.
We are concerned by complaints by environmentalists and a recent Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa, Wessa, report which accuses the Department of Minerals and Energy of short-circuiting environmental laws and procedures, and of nonaccountability in issuing Mpumalanga mining rights on 8 of the 11 major provincial nature reserves on a prospective world heritage site, on several conservation areas under the former Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and on private nature reserves.
Hon Minister, can you explain the department's reluctance to give either proof of consultation with interested parties or a complete record of its decision-making in awarding the rights, despite a court order to that effect in January? And I know you've used your time now, so perhaps I'd better put a question.
The ACDP will be supporting this budget, which we expect to deliver on renewable resources. Thank you.