Significance of Environmental Impact Assessment as a Precondition for Embarking on Developmental Projects in South Africa

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a widely used international environmental tool utilised to assess the possible and expected adverse impact that might occur as a result of a proposed developmental project. Consequently, environmental regulations have to be fully complied with, to ensure that the environment is duly protected irrespective of the potential benefit of any proposed project. Consequently, environmental degradation can be minimised or prevented outright. This paper accentuated that it is pertinent that those tasked with responsibility to conserve the environment do so and ensure that all impending developmental projects pass the litmus test of EIA. If, before or during the course of the assessment, there is the likelihood of environmental degradation, those who are responsible for conducting EIA should raise concerns and be pragmatic by coming up with alternative measures to prevent environmental degradation in the event such a development is given a go-ahead. At times, EIA is perceived as an obstacle to achieving development because of the length of the due process that must be followed and completed to the end, which often results in delays. However, it enables competent authorities to make informed decisions about giving proposed projects the go-ahead after such an assessment is conducted. The environmental impact assessment of any area earmarked for a developmental project continues up to the last stage, where Environmental Authorisation is determined, which leads to the issuance of approval or disapproval. Therefore, the paper sought to encourage the need to enforce the EIA processes as a prerequisite for developmental projects prior, during and after the projects.