Revised Committee Strategic Plan and APP; Motion of desirability on the National Water Amendment Bill

Video The Committee met to consider and adopt the motion of desirability on the National Water Amendment Bill, and its revised strategic plan and annual performance plan (APP). During discussion on the motion of desirability, Members expressed differing views on whether the Bill should proceed. Some Members argued that the proposed amendments were necessary to advance transformation and address historical inequalities in water allocation, while others maintained that additional information was required on the potential implications for food security, employment and vulnerable communities, before a determination could be made. Following clarification that the motion merely sought to establish whether the Bill should proceed to detailed scrutiny and public participation, the Committee agreed by majority decision that the Bill was desirable and should advance to the next stage of the legislative process. The Committee received a presentation on its revised internal strategic plan. It was reported that the revisions were largely technical in nature and intended to align the Committee’s plans with updated budget allocations and possible amendments to Parliament’s planning framework. Members were informed that the Committee would continue to prioritise oversight of the water and sanitation sector, the processing of key legislation, public participation processes, oversight visits and international engagement, despite budgetary constraints and ongoing challenges within the sector. The Committee also considered its draft internal APP, which outlined planned activities and targets for the remainder of the parliamentary year. It was reported that work on the National Water Amendment Bill and the Water Services Amendment Bill would continue, alongside oversight activities, constituency engagements, annual reporting processes and preparations for future study tours and capacity-building initiatives. Members were advised that public participation on the National Water Amendment Bill would commence following the adoption of the motion of desirability and that further oversight activities would include consideration of major infrastructure projects and water governance matters. During discussion on the strategic plan and APP, Members raised concerns regarding oversight of the National Water Crisis Committee, the monitoring of incomplete infrastructure projects, and the need for stronger accountability mechanisms. Suggestions were made for regular reporting on legacy projects, improved coordination with other parliamentary committees, and greater emphasis on the urgency of the national water crisis. Members generally agreed on the importance of ensuring effective oversight of the Executive, while also acknowledging practical constraints relating to parliamentary programming, budgets and oversight scheduling. In response, it was proposed that the Minister and Department provide regular reports to the Committee on the work of the emergency water crisis structures, while quarterly reports would focus on delayed and incomplete infrastructure projects. Members supported strengthening oversight and accountability through these reporting mechanisms. Following discussion, the Committee formally adopted both the revised strategic plan and the APP. The Committee also adopted the minutes of its meetings held on 21 and 28 April, and 5 and 19 May, subject to minor amendments relating to the verification of attendance.