Original language
English
Country
South Africa
Date of text
Status
Unknown
Type of court
National - lower court
Sources
Court name
North Gauteng High Court
Reference number
14/1740/2010
Files
Justice(s)
Patterson
Abstract
The charges against Frylinck, an environmental consultant representing Mpofu Environmental Solutions CC, and Mpofu originated from the planned construction of the Pan African Parliament in Midrand. In 2009, the DEA stopped the construction of the complex when it was discovered that construction was causing serious damage to a wetland on the site. Environmental Management Inspectors laid criminal charges against Frylinck who compiled the basic environmental assessment on which the decision to allow building was based for not pointing out the existence of a wetland to authorities.
Officials who consider EIA applications have to rely at least in part on the integrity and honesty of the consultants who provide information to them, and the quality of the work done by those consultants. Where that integrity is violated and the work does not meet the required standard, whether through intent or negligence, it is imperative that decisive punishment is meted out as deterrent to others.