Abstract
M.Sc. (Environmental Management)
South African urban areas have seen a significant number of wetlands lost or degraded in the name of development. Thus, most urban wetlands are seldom pristine, many are canalised, dredged, drained or filled. This is partly because wetlands are located in strategic locations (from an economic point of view) in the landscape, and so, are often considered as prime development land. This is unfortunate as urban wetlands perform a diverse range of valuable functions, what is more, the loss of urban wetlands impact negatively on the surrounding urban population. A typical example is that of the Libradene Wetland, found in Boksburg, Gauteng, which was partially destroyed by an attempt to construct a petrol station on it. This study explores how and why the fate of this particular wetland was sealed, with particular reference to the legislation pertaining to wetlands.
The study concluded that although wetlands are protected by legislation, the enforcement of the legislation was slow. The wheels of administrative justice turn slowly, a flaw in the system the developer tried to fully exploit. In addition, unethical practises by the developer and perhaps professionals in the paid services of the developer, resulted in non-compliance with EIA regulations, the National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998), Environmental Conservation Act (73 of 1989) and the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (43 of 1983). Although the development ceased, to date, no one has been brought to book and the wetland has not been rehabilitated at all.
As a result of this study, a number of recommendations are made (i) consolidate the fragmented administration of environmental legislation concerning wetlands in South Africa under one government department, (ii) improve the relationships between the respective authorities at all government levels (iii) strengthen the public participation process and (iv) to strength the national wetlands database.