... EEA APPROVED PROJECT, SAYS NO PUBLIC REVIEW NEEDED

MBABANE – Experts argue that in order for local economic development to be sustainable the environmental aspect needs to be well analysed.

Also, experts advise that the environment should be preserved so that current economic development does not happen at the expense of future generations. In the country, the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) is responsible for ensuring that the environment is preserved. Following the concern raised by some Mbabane retail business owners, this publication engaged the EEA. In response to a questionnaire, EEA Executive Director Gcina Dladla acknowledged classification of the mentioned project as Category 2. The executive director also acknowledged the undertaking of an initial environmental evaluation and comprehensive mitigation plan (IIE/CMP), which he said was approved. “Projects under this category are considered to have some significant adverse environmental impacts, which are relatively well-known and easy to predict and the mitigation measures are also well-known.

impacts

“The decision of the classification is guided by the nature and scale of the project, its location and the anticipated impacts that it may have on the environment,” Dladla stated. He then clarified that Category 2 projects do not undergo public review unless deemed necessary by the authority. “Please be reminded that allocation and zoning of land for the different land uses within urban areas is the responsibility of the local authority in terms of the Urban Government Act, 1969,” highlighted the CEO.

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