Your Comments are Welcome for the Draft NEMA Amendment Bill
View PDF | Print View
by: LiamWhitlouw | Total views: 40 | Word Count: 575
As the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs in South Africa Edna Molewa has proposed the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Bill (NEMLA) for 2011. All those who are interested in this are free to make their opinions, thoughts, and ideas pertaining to the new bill known prior to the cut-off date which is at the end of September 2011.
The Bill proposes changes to certain provisions currently under 3 Acts, namely
1. The National Environmental Management Act (NEMLA)
2. The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA)
3. The National Environmental Management Air Quality Act (NEMAQA)
What is the purpose of the new Bill?
Among the various intentions of the proposed Bill is the purpose of addressing the current gaps that have been identified with regards to the implementation of the 3 Acts so as to improve environmental management and service. If the amendment is approved Minister Molewa will then be in a position that will allow her the opportunity to restrict and prevent developments in various areas for a specific time frame and in accordance with certain conditions. Right now the 24G administrative fine is R1 million rand but this will rise substantially to R5 million. Those who can prove they were undertaking an action in response to an emergency situation will be exempt from paying the fine. Likewise the Green Scorpions who are the environmental and management inspectors will also enjoy more leeway should they deem it necessary to seize or withhold any and all types of transport used for the purpose of committing a criminal offence. The Minister's role will also be further clarified with regards to how her regulatory powers are implemented as far as sustaining endangered or threatened flora and fauna. She will enjoy more influence with regards to how these will be handled and listed, how bio traders will be able to operate within the country's borders as far as exploiting our natural resources, determining the Department of Environmental Affairs' right to withhold financing in a separate fund when obtained from bio prospecting to as to benefit underprivileged communities, as well as allowing the DEA to enforce strict penalties on those that contravene the new Act without the necessary permit.
EIMS or the Environmental management services had their inception in the early 1990s and has become a very noteworthy participator as far as environmental management consulting is concerned within South Africa's borders as well as in the rest of Africa. A business operating within South Africa will need to identify and understand environmental legislation as well as comply with these laws which naturally pose somewhat of a problem for some. As far as the new law is concerned provision will be made that will govern any and all transgressions irrespective of whether these are the result of public or private individuals. The EIMS now employs a number of specialist consultants from a number of environmental fields that work in conjunction with both local and international partners ensuring that their clients are armed with the necessary knowledge and expertise insofar as environmental issues and risk management is concerned.
The environment is under constant threat by commercial and illegal acts which means that the new Bill, if it is indeed approved, could well be the answer that will benefit the people of the country as well as the natural resources that the country has to offer. All interested parties can make their comments and opinions known to the Minister before the closing date at the end of September 2011.
About the Author
Liam Whitlouw is the marketing manager of EIMS, a Environmental Impact Management Firm located in Randburg, South Africa. For additional information in regards to the Draft NEMA Amendment Bill please visit our site.
Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote
