The Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI), popularly referred to as the Green Scorpions conducted inspections as part of the national environmental law compliance campaign in KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces from 4 to 8 October.
The construction projects at Bhanga Neck and Enkovukeni primary school in Kosi Bay within iSimangaliso Wetland Park have been completed and the schools are in operation. The operational EMPs for both schools have not been compiled. The authorisation required that the drilled boreholes be monitored on a quarterly basis but the samples have not been collected. The borehole water pump at Enkovukeni primary school has been stolen. Officials are satisfied with the rehabilitation process of the two completed projects.
The construction activities in iSimangaliso Wetland Park for both the New Public Hide at Mfenzana pan, Eastern Shores of the lake within Great St Lucia and Western Shores road and entrance gate facility projects are not complete, they have been put on hold. iSimangaliso did not inform the department about the appointment of Environmental Control Officers (ECO) for both projects. Officials are satisfied with the rehabilitation process of both projects.
The construction of the Transnet National Multi Product Pipeline (NMPP) from Jameson Park to Durban is well underway, pipeline laying and reinstatement is almost complete. Rehabilitation is ongoing and officials observed that erosion control measures have been installed around the wetland and stream crossing. Construction activities around sensitive areas were minimal and overall waste management was good. Overall compliance is satisfactory.
The construction work for SANRAL N8, Bloemfontein Airport Access Road, artificial wetland and Sanyati Warehouse was completed in July 2010; EMIs observed that rehabilitation work is still outstanding.
Following the inspection, the EMIs will consolidate their preliminary findings for the various sites. Once the findings have been consolidated, decisions will be taken in terms of the type of enforcement action that is required with regard to non-compliances.
The EMI will this week proceed to the Eastern Cape to conduct inspections as part of the Campaign.The inspections will take place from 18 to 22 October 2010. Based on the risk prioritisation process, the sites that will be inspected are Transnet East London Car Terminal, Working for Wetlands and Coega, Transnet in Port Elizabeth.
Members of the public are urged to report environmental transgressions to 0800 205 005.
For media queries contact:
Roopa Singh
Cell: 082 225 3076
Moses Rannditsheni
Cell: 082 448 2450
