Swakopmund Matters 16 - 2014 – Environmental Commissioner’s strong standpoint to be applauded In sharp contrast to the Governor of Erongo’s utterances, as reported by the Namibian on 14 August 2014, namely that “… important projects for the region have the full support on political level, and so they will continue …” and “… the coast must be utilised, and we will not hesitate to utilise it” the Environmental Commissioner, Mr. Teofilus Nghitila, has taken a strong standpoint which is to be noted, welcomed and applauded. According to the Namib Times of 15 August 2014 the Commissioner made several points very clear so that there should be no misunderstanding about the position he would take in matters crucial to the environment, including those that are of great concern to the public. These are the concluding paragraphs of the article which can be accessed in full with this link: namibtimes.net/forum/topics/nghitila-comes-to-inspect-mines-and-quarries “… he is very proud of the coastal community for always standing their ground when it comes to the defense of the environment. He said no major projects, whether along the beachfront or inland, can go ahead without prior public consultation and approval from his office. If it is found that developers are not adhering to environmental management plans, the inspector can give an order to shut down such business with immediate effect. ‘Public consultation with affected and interested parties is at the heart of the EIA [Environmental Impact Assessment] process, and this represents a significant effort to democratise environmental management and sustainable development.’ Nghitila concluded by saying the whole purpose of the trip was to assess the situation on the ground, to raise awareness and to boost public participation”. Operative words ascribed to the Commissioner are particularly relevant and important: • “no major projects, whether along the beachfront or inland, can go ahead without prior public consultation and approval from his office”. • “Public consultation with affected and interested parties is at the heart of the Environmental Impact Assessment process”. • “to raise awareness and to boost public participation”. The message which the Commissioner is conveying is thus explicitly loud and clear: the public must play a definitive role in the consultative process and developers will not be allowed to ride rough shot over the prescriptions of the EIA and its regulations. He will keep developers at bay and force them to comply fully. This warning by the Commissioner is of special significance: “If it is found that developers are not adhering to environmental management plans, the inspector can give an order to shut down such business with immediate effect”. Equally important is this alert to all developers – they must have “the approval” from his office. The inference one must draw from these declarations by the Commissioner is more than obvious! Thank you Commissioner! Swakopmund Matters 16 August 2014 (For Swakopmund Matters the environment of the Namibian coastline and its ocean matters)
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 06:50:33 +0000
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