By Lazarus Mabasa, tel: (012) 314-2175

Developers whose businesses pose a health and environmental threat in Gauteng have until 7 July to apply for rectification, says Gauteng MEC for Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Khabisi Mosunkutu.

Mr Mosunkutu told the media in Johannesburg yesterday that according to the National Environmental Management Second Amendment Act, land developers and industrialists could be fined up to R5 million or face ten years in jail if they failed to comply with the regulation.

This means all developers who are operating without the department's consent ought to apply for rectification.

"The Act will help us to identify the possibilities of health threat as well as the dangers and environmental impact before developers commence their work. There are people in the industries that put profits above the health and the well-being of our communities.

"Therefore, we are here today to discuss measures that can help us protects our environment, ecosystems, biodiversity and contribute to sustainable communities," said Mr Mosunkutu.

This includes the construction and upgrading of communication networks, structures for mining industries and industries where too much gas is released.

According to the law, industrial activities must first undergo Environment Impact Assessment before authorisation.

Mr Mosunkutu said that all developers who were illegally operating without the department's consent and were aware of the negativity of their business to the environment should come forward for rectification by the department.

"Industrial operations that discharge noxious gases to the environment and other emissions, negatively impact on water used by our people. This is an open window that will help all people who were operating their illegal activities to come forward and be cleaned," he said.

The department is already interacting with the local authorities to identify places that need to be protected.

It is also aiming to work closely with the South African Police Service to clamp down on people who resist compliance.-BuaNews