Abstract:
PURPOSE :
The extent to which environmental issues are incorporated into
housing development in Gauteng was investigated. In addition,
the possible relationship between compliance follow-ups, the
level of compliance to conditions of environmental authorisations
and the nature of housing development were assessed.
METHODOLOGY :
Records of environmental approvals for the five-year period
April 2006 to March 2011 held by the Gauteng Department of
Agriculture and Rural Development were examined. In addition,
a questionnaire survey focusing on a 100 selected projects was
undertaken. Correlation and regression analyses were employed
to analyse the responses.
FINDINGS :
It was established that the level of environmental responsiveness
in real estate development was low. No correlation was found to
exist between compliance and enforcement action and the level
of compliance achieved in housing projects.
VALUE OF THE PAPER :
Regulatory requirements for the incorporation of environmental
issues in housing development in Gauteng were found to be
insufficient, by itself, to achieve the desired outcome. Alternative
incentives therefore need to be considered.
