Search Climate Insights Directory

The document is an answering affidavit from the Minister of the National Department of Environmental Affairs regarding a legal application by the Centre for Environmental Rights. The Minister defends the government's air quality management in the Highveld Priority Area, arguing that the Highveld Plan is a 'living document' that has been approximately 80% implemented. The Minister disputes the necessity of creating specific regulations under section 20 of the Air Quality Act, citing resource constraints and the need to balance environmental rights with socio-economic growth and energy security.

This document is a formal response from the eMalahleni Local Municipality (ELM) to a questionnaire from the Centre for Environmental Rights. The questionnaire seeks to determine if air quality in the Nkangala District Municipality has improved since 2007. The ELM reports significant resource constraints, a lack of operational monitoring equipment, and an inability to confirm air quality improvements, noting that physical observations suggest pollution is worsening.