Environment and water on the agenda for weekly FNC meeting

Members will review amendments to an environmental protection law, and quiz ministers on camel deaths.

Environmental issues will be debated at the Federal National Council meeting on Tuesday. Silvia Razgova / The National

ABU DHABI // Environmental issues will be debated at the Federal National Council.

Members will review amendments to Federal Law 24 of 1999, which calls for environmental protection, with Dr Rashid bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water.

Mosabeh Al Kitbi (Sharjah) will also ask about Emirati farmers’ losses in the Northern Emirates and about a disease that has killed camels in Sharjah.

Ali Al Nuaimi (Ajman) will also question Dr bin Fahad about action the ministry is taking to institute 11 proposals by the FNC five years ago, all of which were approved by the Cabinet.

Proposals included a review of laws relating to water conservation every three years; the development and modification of specifications for water faucets by way of water flow control; regulation of water resources; and studies to see how best to utilise rainwater.

A proposal was also made to study how nuclear energy could be utilised to increase water resources, and to impose customs taxes on factories that export water.

Abdulaziz Al Zaabi (RAK) will also question Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, over the independence of the boards of directors of federal agencies and institutions. He said several boards in the country are headed by ministers.

Hamad Al Rahoomi (Dubai) will ask Dr Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works and chairman of the National Transport Authority, about registration for boats and cruise ships.

The public session takes place at 9am on Tuesday at the FNC headquarters in Abu Dhabi.