DA accused of blocking environmental commissioner in the W Cape

AS PUBLIC hearings kicked off in the province for a proposed amendment to the Western Cape constitution, the DA yesterday refuted allegations that it was attempting to block the establishment of an environmental commissioner.

ANC MPL Cameron Dugmore said Clause 72(1) of the Western Cape constitution, adopted in 1997 by the legislature and then certified by the Constitutional Court, states that the environmental commissioner must monitor urban and rural development which may impact on the environment, and investigate complaints in respect of environmental administration, among other things.

Dugmore said the DA-led provincial government was proposing to remove the environmental commissioner in its entirety from the provincial constitution. “It is clear that the DA has been lobbied by a small cabal of developers who are their historic funders to remove the environmental commissioner,” Dugmore said.

“Our province faces the major threat of climate change. We experience serious challenges to secure adequate and safe water for human consumption and use in the agricultural sector. We are trying to build the green economy and secure sustainable development which puts people before profits. We should see an environmental commissioner as an asset.”

Dugmore appealed to the public to make their voices heard during the hearings, which began at the Mossel Bay town hall yesterday, with the first of four hearings.

DA Western Cape spokesperson on Premier and Constitutional Affairs Ricardo Mackenzie said the party had a record of supporting environmental management and addressing climate change in the province, referencing the province having the first coastal management line in South Africa, which aims to protect the coastline and estuaries.

“Current provincial legislation is, however, nearly 23 years old and in our efforts to address environmental concerns, we believe that hearing from residents is critical.

“It's unfortunate that the ANC in the province has already taken a position on the Amendment Bill before the parliamentary committee has had a chance to hear from residents.

“We call on the opposition to work with us, listen to the public, and follow due process,” Mackenzie said.

For more information on the bill, the public participation process and hearing dates, visit https://www.wcpp. gov.za/node/9182