Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Climate Change – in the Senedd at 1:46 pm on 6 October 2021.
Thank you. And I'm really glad that I've succeeded in getting that on the record, that you actually do understand that there is an issue there.
But going specifically back to our water companies, during this year, 23 different locations have seen over 2,000 hours' worth of spills each, five locations over 3,000 hours' worth and four over 4,000 hours. So, such has been my concern that I have written to you, and you responded to me stating, and I quote, 'The Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales are working with Wales's water companies to develop drainage and waste water management plans, otherwise known as DWMPs, for the next 25 years. The plans will help ensure that our water companies invest strategically and transparently for a waste water treatment network that is resilient and affordable in the long and short term.'
Now, only recently, in our Deganwy estuary, in my constituency, a large number of residents complained about floating raw sewage and a horrendous odour, and this went on for quite some time. So, having then brought this to the attention of Dŵr Cymru, action was not taken immediately and this persuaded me then to report the situation directly to NRW. And, I'm sorry, but in a number of these instances, Minister, enforcement action taken by NRW cannot be considered to be anywhere near robust enough. Only a few weeks ago, the finger of blame for pollution in our rivers was pointed towards our farmers, and the draconian system of nitrate vulnerable zones was implemented. So, Minister, what steps are you taking to ensure that our water companies—[Interruption.]—play a more responsible role themselves in not allowing—? Do you want to make an intervention? [Interruption.]