National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Limited Amendment Bill: finalisation

Video The Portfolio Committee convened on a virtual platform to conduct a clause-by-clause review of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Limited Amendment Bill (B13–2025). It considered the public comments received, with only one relevant submission supporting the Bill and calling for greater community involvement in water infrastructure planning. Some Members raised concerns about the limited public participation, suggesting a pause to allow broader stakeholder input. However, other Members and the parliamentary legal advisor clarified that the amendment was purely technical, focusing on the listing of the agency under the Public Finance Management Act Schedule 2, and did not warrant additional public hearings, given the extensive consultations conducted during the passage of the principal Act in 2024. Following legal and departmental briefings, it was confirmed that the amendment was essential to enable the operational and financial structuring of the new agency, particularly its replacement of the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority. Although some parties reserved their positions for further caucus consultation, the Committee ultimately adopted the Bill and accompanying reports without amendment. Members acknowledged the administrative nature of the changes, and the Chairperson thanked everyone for their participation and professionalism. The session concluded with expressions of appreciation for the work of the Committee and support staff, marking the successful conclusion of this legislative process stage.