NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 418
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY 09 SEPTEMBER 2011 [IQP No 28 -2011] SECOND
SESSION, FOURTH PARLIAMENT
Question 418 for Written Reply, National Council of Provinces: Mr D A Worth
(DA-FS) to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:
1) Whether the new fish hatchery built at the Gariep Dam has started
operating and training commenced; if not, why not; if so, what are the
details;
2) What amount has been spent by (a) her department and (b) the Chinese
Government with respect to this project;
3) How many persons have been employed as part of this poverty
alleviation programme? CW517E
REPLY:
1) The hatchery is not operational yet because the construction phase is
not 100% complete. The Free State Department of Agriculture is working
closely with the Chinese implementing agency (China National
Agricultural Development Group Corporation) to finalize the
construction phase and ensuring that the facility complies with the
South African national standards so that the centre can receive the
Certificate of Compliance from local authorities. The Chinese
implementing agency is also waiting for further funding from the
Chinese Ministry of Commerce for furniture and equipment. It is
envisaged that as soon as the construction phase is finalised, the
joint operational plan, which has been developed between South Africa
and China, will be implemented.
2) The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has spent about
R385 000.00 for the importation of the construction materials in 2009
and the Chinese government has spent about R 30 million for the
project so far.
3) About 35 local labourers have been appointed in the initial
construction stages.