Hon. MEC, I will focus on the uptake of Environmental Affairs to Economic Developments as very little has been mentioned in the budget speech.

Hon. members, the NDP is very clear that for economic growth amongst other requirements; human capabilities , opportunities and an active citizenry , add value to the cycle of development.

Hon. MEC, with rapid urbanisation, the department has to think urban sustainable development and a major concern is threat to urban ecosystems , the recent death of fish in the Isipingo estuary and Phoenix are examples.

Ecosystems must be protected because these are a key source to provide livelihoods and reduce poverty.

Hon. MEC, to make KZN’s growing cities more sustainable, the department needs to address knowledge gaps; foster participants seek behavioural change through an effective regulation framework. Green Policies will pay dividends in the short and long run.

The MF, requires diverse community interests to be accommodated eg: the allocation of selected coastal sites for religious worship and this must be prioritised in the KZN coastal management Plan, Phase two.

The building of worship sites on allocated coastal land, will also spur tourism and must be done, equally important to your new announcement of coastal resort and charters.

In conclusion, the economic valuation of ecosystems services, is an emerging science and needs cost benefits policy proposals and the quantification of the contribution if services to both the local and Provincial economy.

Hon. members it will be an interesting term to realise the economics of green cites, by pushing for a green growth policy.

Thank You

Hon.Rajbansi