Gauteng encourages public participation in Gautrain environmental processes

Posted on Sep 14, 2006 in Media Releases

Gauteng’s MEC for Economic Affairs, Paul Mashatile, has urged members of the public to participate in the two environmental processes currently underway as part of the Gautrain initiative.

“Public participation is essential to ensure we develop a solution which meets the needs of the province and its residents,” Mashatile said in a statement today.

The two processes currently underway are:

• An investigation into the environmental impact of five proposed variations to the Gautrain route. This process looked at whether the route changes will have a greater, reduced or similar impact to the initial proposed route. Public meetings to discuss the impact of the proposed changes are taking place this week. (Details can be found on www.gautrain-env.co.za)
• The development of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP): The EMP is a legally binding document that governs the environmental components of design, construction and ultimately operation and maintenance of the Gautrain Project. This document, through a participative process, will ensure the highest possible standards of environmental management for the Project. Open days and public meetings for this process will take place next week. (Further details are available on www.gautrain-env.co.za)

“These meetings are open to the public, and the views of individuals and interest groups will be factored into the overall rollout of the Gautrain project,” Mashatile said. “We have benefited greatly from the inputs received so far, and encourage members of the public to continue their participation – whether in their individual capacity or as organised lobby groups.”