Showing posts with label "western cape". Show all posts
Showing posts with label "western cape". Show all posts

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Welcome to Minister Anton Bredell

In May 2009 Minister Pierre Uys was succeeded by Minister Anton Bredell.
The Department welcomes Minister Bredell in his new role and looks forward to a relationship that will benefit the people and environment of the Western Cape.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Western Cape lapsed use rights for landowners finally reinstated

The process to reinstate the lapsed use rights of landowners in the province under the Western Cape Land Use Planning Ordinance [15 of 1985, Section 14(2)] has been completed.

Premier Lynne Brown has assented to it and the Land Use Planning Ordinance Amendment Act was published in the Provincial Gazette on 3 March 2009. The act restores the lapsed rights, and extends it to 30 June 2011.

With this Premier Brown and Minister Uys has made good on their undertaking to the industry late in January to restore these rights.

The Ordinance regulates land use planning in the province.

This was to be extended with a further six months, but lapsed due to an unintended action due to a late signing.

The local authorities and the industry were not aware of the lapsing of the use rights, and applications of various types have been submitted for consideration, and in some instances considered, as if the time period prescribed in Section 14(2) had not lapsed.

"The reinstatement brings back certainty, stability and clear direction for local government and the industry," says provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Pierre Uys.


Enquiries:
Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Western Capeto reinstate lapsed use rights for landowners

Since the Western Cape Land Use Planning Ordinance (LUPO, 15 of 1985) commenced on 1 July 1986, the core principle of Section 14(2) was that use rights in question would have lapsed on 30 June 2001.

The 15-year transitional period was lengthened to a grace period of 21 years by a number of Amendment Acts to expire on 30 June 2007. This was to be extended with a further six months, but the then Premier only assented to the relevant Amendment Act on 2 July 2007 two days after the rights had lapsed. It was promulgated in the Provincial Gazette on 5 July 2007.

The problem is that the local authorities and the industry were not aware of the lapsing of the use rights, and applications of various types have been submitted for consideration, and in some instances considered, as if the time period prescribed in Section 14(2) had not lapsed.

LUPO regulates land use planning in the province at local authority level.

When LUPO commenced, any town-planning scheme in force under the Township Ordinance of 1934 (repealed by LUPO), was deemed to be a zoning scheme in force in terms of LUPO. The rights granted in terms of any such zoning scheme were preserved, valid and enforceable as if granted pursuant to the provisions of LUPO.

Where the zonings, and thus the rights upon which any applications dependent, no longer exist, the very basis of such application falls away.

This situation that has arisen in the middle of June 2007 (when I was the provincial Minister of Health), only came to my attention towards the end of last year (2008). I immediately instructed a legal opinion be obtained to look at the options to resolve the predicament amicably. And I had the local authorities informed in a circular.

I showed and have all intentions to rectify the situation.

I received this opinion yesterday (28 January 2009). After considering this I decided to speedily put a process in place to rectify the dilemma. I am preparing further extending legislation to submit to the provincial Cabinet and Western Cape Provincial Parliament to reinstate the unintended lapse of land use rights.

This will bring back certainty, stability and clear direction for local government and the industry, says provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Pierre Uys.


Enquiries:
Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

Western Cape Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan

The Western Cape Provincial Government is the first provincial authority on the continent to pioneer a strategy and action plan in response to climate change, says provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Pierre Uys.

The Western Cape Provincial Strategy and Action Plan was launched today Tuesday 27 January 09) in Milnerton. The main aim of this comprehensive document is to reduce the emission of green house gasses that speed up the effects of global warming, to mitigate the resultant effects and adaptation.

Premier Lynne Brown opened the event where leading climate change experts gave a provincial overview, and Minister Uys unveiled the Western Cape Strategy and Action Plan.

Premier Lynne Brown and her cabinet approved the strategy and action plan in November 2008. The strategy and action plan build on a study to determine the susceptibility of the Western Cape to global warming that will and is already affecting the province, and will be one of the most detrimentally impacted regions of the country.

The Western Cape is leading the way provincially in an area of international interest.

Climate change affects everyone and all individuals need to work to reduce, reuse and recycle in the common good of the region and the planet.

Some of the impacts that exposed the vulnerability of the Western Cape with its vast shoreline are floods in areas like the Overberg and Southern Cape, unusual spells of droughts with drier soils and reduced rainfall, conditions conducive to big wildfires, declining water levels inland, long term rising of sea levels and with extreme or erratic weather conditions. Even the Cape Floral Kingdom came under pressure with fynbos dieback due to heavy rains in the Outeniqua Mountains.

The Western Cape Provincial Government, the public and experts have joined forces with the strategy and action plan to respond efficiently and effectively to the challenges climate change brings and that would impact on wine and other farming, tourism, environmental resources like scarce water and quality air as well as trade across the province.

The Western Cape has already started various initiatives to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, harnessing alternative energy sources that are renewable and sustainable, reducing waste, training teachers to assist the next generations to deal with the new challenges and to recognise opportunities that arise from a change in course.

This government also undertake exemplary action steps such as greening
offices or the workplace for savings, an energy audit with a view to
reduce its usage, putting up moveable ambient air quality monitoring
stations across the province, the roll out of 1 000 solar geysers to
poorer communities and promoting renewable energy.

As a caring and responsive government, the Western Cape plans to play a leading stewardship role.

In this regard legislation may follow to ensure more sustainability, a
green procurement policy, a dedicated climate change unit in the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, a desk to deal with a Clean Development Mechanism and intergovernmental relation building to work towards mitigation.

Focus will be on the poor and most vulnerable, partnerships, minimising the adverse impacts, to position the province to take advantage of emerging economic prospects, developing energy efficiency options and practical actions (such as in land use and development planning in constructing energy efficient buildings).

*We all have to change our behaviour, activities and attitudes. I challenge every citizen to take hands with this provincial Government in its target to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels with 15% over about 5 years and increase total consumption from renewable energy sources by 15%. Every one should reduce personal consumption in this regard. We all have to adapt now,* Minister Uys says.

Enquiries:
Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

*****************************


THE WESTERN CAPE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY & ACTION PLAN AT A GLANCE

THE AIM
- to strengthen resilience to climate change, particularly in vulnerable economic sectors and communities
- by reducing the Western Cape*s carbon footprint to maintain the province*s status of having comparatively low greenhouse gas emissions

THE RESPONSE
- Government will lead partnerships with research institutions, industry and communities to minimise the impact of climate change to improve the knowledge of climate change
- Demand side management to control the use of resources (like water as South Africa is already a water scarce country) and utilities (like electricity) and other practical action , including the increased use of naturally available systems like orientating houses to make the best use of sunlight.
- Adaptation measures, including the use of alternative farming methods and development planning
- Mitigation through active reduction of carbon emission, including the use of cleaner fuels and efficient use of energy
- Identification of vulnerable natural and human environments, including water resources, bio-diversity, air quality and built environments at risk, for the most appropriate action

PROVINCIAL PRIORITIES & ACTION AREAS
- An integrated water supply and infrastructure management programme - researching the cost-benefit ration of irrigation, pricing strategies and water conservancy strategies;
- A clear link between land stewardship, livelihoods and economic activity * effective land use and researching the best possible way to strengthen vulnerable communities;
- A focused climate change research and weather information programme;
- A programme to reduced the provincial carbon footprint though energy efficiency (including transport), development of renewable and alternate sustainable energy resources and effective waste management;

SCENARIOS of IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

The likely climate change factors are a 1 degree Celsius increase in temperatures is expected by 2050, the drying up of water sources are likely to dry up with reduced rainfall and reduced soil moisture and an increase of extreme weather like flash floods, droughts and wildfires.

Specifically in the Western Cape, this could lead to:
- Impacts of crops due to higher temperatures and drier soils;
- Higher temperatures or heat waves which will stress the carbon footprint as demand for air-conditioning increases;
- Increased danger to human communities, the Cape*s biodiversity and infrastructure from wildfires;
- Increased sea levels which will heighten the risk of coastal flooding and also the intrusion of salt water into groundwater and wetlands.

You can download the full and summary reports from the departmental web site (see link on the sidebar of this blog) or from the drop at http://drop.io/dflclimatechange using the guest password "1amaguest" NOTE: The first character of the password is the numeral 1 (one)

Thursday, June 7, 2007

RECC Presentations

This post gives access to the presentations delivered at the Western Cape Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit

Click on the links below to download the presentations and documents from the Western Cape Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit held at the CTICC, Cape Town 7-8 June 2007

A couple of the links have been removed pending updating of the presentations.

Correlate these presentations with the Summit Programme

DAY 1 - 7 JUNE 2007 - Renewable Energy

Mark Borchers ppt 4.35MB
Ronald Chauke ppt 304KB
Adam Gordon ppt 192KB
Mark Gordon ppt 7.7MB
Daniel Modise ppt 385KB
Raudiyah Sahabodien pps 8.9MB
Brian Sechotlho ppt 2045KB
Nicola Steen ppt 14.11MB
M Visage ppt 771KB
SANERI presentation to RE and CC Summit in CT 070607 ppt 579KB
NERSA Licensing Rules RE Summit 20070607 ppt 175KB
NERSA Regulatory Support RE Summit 20070606 ppt 182KB

Today the National Minister, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, delivered his budget speech

Professor Wikus van Niekerk of the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies of the University of Stellenbosch drew delegates attention to a regular discussion forum hosted by the Centre relating to Renewable and Sustainable Energy issues.

Here is the Draft Sustainable Energy Strategy pdf 16.6MB (Note: this is a full colour pdf of the printed document)



Queen Protea, Protea magnifica,
on the slopes of Milner Ridge Peak,
Hex River Mountains

At the end of the day MEC Essop's office issued the following press statement:

MEC Essop commits to bold actions to accelerate Renewable Energy initiatives in the Western Cape

Yesterday in Cape Town delivering the first day closure of the Provincial Government’s Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit, MEC Tasneem Essop acknowledged the contributions, gaps, opportunities and challenges raised by all the stakeholders present.

This summit was held to create an enabling environment to promote dialogue between stakeholders and government in order to activate the renewable energy sector within the Western Cape.

The MEC summarized the day’s proceedings and committed to a range of immediate actions.

Essop offered that her Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning would facilitate a process to understand barriers and constraints to implementing Renewable Energy projects.

The Department will develop a document readily available to provide information to prospective RE developers to explain the regulatory processes involved in implementing Renewable Energy projects. The pamphlet will also include information about incentives and provide specific contact details.

Essop also recognized the urgent need to build smart capacity in government departments, municipalities and other relevant organs of state to efficiently manage Renewable Energy project implementation.

Furthermore, she committed to facilitate the roll-out of the short-term actions identified in the recently finalized Western Cape Sustainable Energy Strategy and establish a Renewable Energy networking forum to regularly debate Renewable Energy issues between all stakeholders including government.

Cognizant of urgent climate change adaptation and mitigation imperatives, Essop announced that she will take the initiative to develop a Renewable Energy Act for the Western Cape in consultation with her national and provincial counterparts.

In conclusion Essop offered to investigate and promote the creation of funding opportunities for small and medium Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency projects, and facilitate skills development programmes within the Renewable Energy sector (such as installation and maintenance of solar water geysers), where there is currently a shortage of such skills.

End

Contact Person:
Suraya Hamdulay
083 555 4150



DAY 2 - 8 JUNE 2007 - Climate Change

There is an earlier post on this blog where you can download draft copies of the Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy and Action Plan and Supplimentary Reports

Belynda Petrie ppt 4.7MB - Presentation on the Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy and Action Plan


FOR YOUR FUTURE REFERENCE THE HOMEPAGE OF THIS
DEPARTMENTAL BLOG IS AT
:
http://sustainablehome4all.blogspot.com/

Friday, June 1, 2007

Western Cape Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit


On behalf of my Ministry of Environment, Planning and Economic Development, I would like to extend an invitation to you to participate in the Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit on 7 and 8 June 2007 in Cape Town during World Environment Week hosted by my Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.

The Provincial Government of the Western Cape has set a target of 15% of energy production from renewable sources by 2014. The first day of the summit is mainly a business and renewable energy investment forum and exhibition to stimulate the implementation of renewable energy projects in the province.

The second day of the summit focuses primarily on the Draft Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy and Action Plan. A wide range of national and provincial stakeholders are invited to participate. There will be an address by the honourable Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the Premier of the Western Cape on this vital issue. The climate change segment of the summit addresses the impacts of climate change on the poor and most vulnerable sectors of society.

Your participation in this summit would be most appreciated as we value your input in ensuring that the Western Cape continues along its path of sustainable development.

Register for the Summit online
(Note: the number of delegates is limited so to avoid disappointment please register and do not just pitch up on the day)

Draft Western Cape Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and Supplimentary Reports



The Draft Western Cape Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and Supplimentary Reports are now available online on the Western Cape Climate Change Project Website. N.B. THIS WEB SITE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

HOWEVER THE FINAL Western Cape Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and Supplimentary Reports ARE NOW AVAILABLE.

There will be ongoing opportunities to engage with the department in finalising the report after the Western Cape Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 7 and 8 June 2007 - for further information consult this blog regularly. Click on the link to the Sumit above to register online.