House Chair, in our committee, with the exception of the DA, we all endorsed our ANC-led government's budget of R12,5 billion for Water Affairs.
Following our Constitution's Bill of Rights 27(b), which declares that water is a right, the ANC's manifesto is also loud and clear on this. Further investments in water service infrastructure have already been budgeted to the tune of R670 billion over the next 10 years, improving on the 92% water service delivery by 2012.
The capacity for service delivery and maintenance of water infrastructure in municipalities is enhanced through skills development and other related programmes. The ANC government shall complete the plan to reverse pollution of water sources caused by acid mine drainage by applying the polluter-pays principle.
The ANC-led government discovers challenges at all levels and it deals with those challenges, amongst others, deaths from contaminated rivers and dam water. The core objective of the Department of Water and Sanitation is to support development, eliminate poverty and inequality; contribute to the economy and job creation; and ensure that water is protected, used, conserved, managed and controlled sustainably and equitably.
We are on course; asijiki. [We are not turning back.] We are not indicating left, knowing very well that we are turning right, like others. The ANC, with all freedom, peace and love, and as champions of development, supports Budget Vote No 38. I thank you. [Applause.]
Vote agreed to (Economic Freedom Fighters dissenting).
Schedule put.
Schedule agreed to (Democratic Alliance and Economic Freedom Fighters dissenting).