Transfer of air quality monitoring stations' management to the SAWS; with the Minister and Deputy Ministers

Video The Portfolio Committee received a briefing from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on the proposed intervention by SAWS to manage strategic air quality monitoring stations, establish an integrated national air quality forecasting and modelling system, and roll out low-cost sensor monitoring across the country. The briefing highlighted that only about one-third of the 136 government-owned ambient air quality monitoring stations were fully operational owing to ageing infrastructure, theft, vandalism, capacity constraints and power interruptions. The DFFE proposed a phased transfer of up to 60 government-owned stations to SAWS management over ten years, at an estimated cost of R625.6 million. An integrated modelling and forecasting system was also proposed to expand national coverage and enable early warning systems for hazardous air quality episodes. In addition, the DFFE outlined the roll-out of low-cost sensors to supplement the reference monitoring network, with 200 sensors planned through donor funding, and 100 through DFFE procurement. Members raised serious concerns about funding certainty, particularly given National Treasury’s absence from the meeting. They questioned why Parliament should have confidence in a new model, when over R500 million had already been invested in non-functional infrastructure. They sought clarity on accountability between spheres of government, the quality and integration of low-cost sensor data, the human and technical capacity at SAWS, and consequences for municipalities that failed to meet air quality management obligations. The DFFE and SAWS responded that a business case had been submitted to National Treasury, alternative funding sources were being pursued, and SAWS had the cross-cutting technical skills to manage an expanded network. However, additional investment in human capital and infrastructure would be required. The Committee requested progress updates at its quarterly briefings, particularly on engagements with Treasury and municipal capacity to develop air quality management plans.