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EdST Enquiries: A Starkey
Telephone: 043 604 5402
Reference: 6/2/2/6
MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION 3643 FOR WRITTEN REPLY
A draft reply to the above question by Mr T D Lee (DA) is attached for your
consideration.
ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL
DATE:
DRAFT REPLY APPROVED/AMENDED
MRS B E E MOLEWA, MP
MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
DATE:
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO. 3643
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 NOVEMBER 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 40)
3643. Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental
Affairs:
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 3215 on 8
November 2011, she has been informed that since 27 October 2011
there have been continuous incidences of overflowing sewage from
sewerage infrastructure within the Baakens River Catchment; if
so, what steps has her department taken to rectify the
situation; if not,
(2) whether she will investigate the matter; if not, why not; if so,
what are the relevant details;
(3) whether any (a) pre-notices and/or (b) notices of intention to
issue a directive or directives have been issued against the
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality since 27 October 2011
for pollution events in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36
of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW4424E
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REPLY:
(1) No, the Department was not informed about continuous incidences
of overflowing sewage from sewerage infrastructure within the
Baakens River Catchment. However, on receipt of this question,
on 18 November, the Department conducted an investigation of the
alleged pollution, and the findings revealed that there were no
signs of pollution within the Baakens River Catchment. Such
findings were also confirmed by the Nelson Mandela Bay
Municipality.
(2) Yes, the Department conducted an investigation on 18 November
2011 into the alleged overflowing sewage, and the findings
revealed that there were no signs of pollution within the
Baakens River Catchment.
(3)(a) No pre-notice was issued for pollution of the Baakens
River Catchment as the investigation did not reveal the alleged
sewage spillages into the river and/or nature reserve.
(3)(b) No notice was issued for pollution of the Baakens River
Catchment as the investigation did not reveal the alleged sewage
spillage into the river and/or nature reserve.
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