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The document identifies water as a critical constraint to development in the Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM), projecting that a growing water deficit will severely impact the local economy and jobs by 2040. It highlights that urban water requirements are expected to increase by approximately 99% by 2040 due to population and economic growth, while climate change is projected to increase agricultural water requirements by 44% between 2015 and 2040. The report warns that by 2040, the water deficit could cost the local economy R8.7 billion per year and 44,640 jobs annually, with the highest costs stemming from the urban water deficit.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) of South Africa has refused an application for Environmental Authorisation submitted by Karpowership SA (Pty) Ltd for a 415MW Gas to Power Powership Project at the Port of Saldanha. The refusal is based on significant failures in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, including inadequate public consultation, gaps in specialist studies, and non-compliance with legislative requirements.

The Department of Mineral Resources of the Republic of South Africa refused an Integrated Environmental Authorisation (IEA) application by Mineral Sands Resources (Pty) Ltd for the expansion of mining operations in the West Coast District Municipality of the Western Cape. The refusal was based on the applicant's failure to comply with the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and the 2014 EIA Regulations, specifically regarding the omission of listed activities in the application and the unlawful commencement of activities before receiving authorisation.

Natural Justice challenges the Basic Assessment Reports (BARs) for four prospecting projects in South Africa's West Coast region, citing 'fatal flaws' in biodiversity and water supply assessments. The organization argues that the reports ignore climate change commitments, fail to meaningfully consult vulnerable groups like the Guriqua communities, and overlook the potential destruction of sacred cultural sites and the impact on the region's primary agricultural and fishing sectors.