An evaluation of compliance with environmental regulations : the case of South Durban Basin industries, eThekwini Municipality.

Abstract

South Durban Basin is one of the places that have experienced environmental pollution. This challenge started back in 1950s and exacerbated during the 1960s as development of heavy industries increased. Environmental pollution and air pollution in particular, has resulted in a huge struggle for the local and surrounding communities of South Durban Basin. The struggle was strengthen mostly by health impact of industrial pollution which included asthma, tuberculosis, cancer and chest problems. This situation has lasted in a conflict and dispute between local communities and industries.

This study evaluates the extent to which the industries in South Durban Basin comply with environmental regulations. As a hypothesis, it is argued within this study that most industries in South Durban Basin and South Africa as a whole are production and profit driven. There is very little attention paid to protect and manage the environment.

As part of the findings, it has been found that pollution in South Durban Basin has worsened and required full involvement of all relevant stakeholders including Non-Government Organizations, local communities, government and industries. The local government and eThekwini municipality in particular has tried to mitigate and come out with environmental management programmes. However, the worsening of the situation shows that there is no or little compliance by industries and this is as a result of the lack of enforcement of environmental regulations.