Marine Spatial Planning Bill

Hon. Speaker, the Minority Front welcomes the amended Marine Spatial Planning Bill [B 9D-2017]
Hon, Members a bill of this nature requires planning experts who will facilitate responsible use of the ocean. The portfolio committee must ensure that in house expertise is developed.
The ocean presents many economic opportunities therefore educating our citizens on marine spatial planning will further enhance ocean preservation.
It is also vital that all departmental role players involved in carrying out this programme promotes good ocean governance and are funded.
Hon. Speaker the Marine spatial planning framework must be published in the Gazette and co-ordinated planning of ocean space must be monitored. At some time the portfolio committee must review the enhanced role of Kwa Zulu Natal one of the three coastal provinces.
The Minority Front further supports that the marine area plans must be reviewed every 5 years, in accordance with section (6) to balance economic to environmental impact.
With these words the MF supports the Marine Spatial Planning Bill.
Thank you
HON.S. Thakur- Rajbansi