Compliance with environmental approvals in housing developments in Gauteng, South Africa

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.