The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs (“Minister”) has given notice in the Government Gazette of her intention under section 24J of the NEMA to publish the Guideline on Need and Desirability. The guideline, which forms part of the Integrated Environmental Management Guideline Series, provides information and guidance for applicants, authorities and interested and affected parties on requirements for the consideration of need and desirability in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004) and National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008).

Members of the public are invited to submit to the Minister, written comments within 30 days of the publication of the notice in the Government Gazette (i.e. by 4 November 2012). The guidelines are set out in the said schedule.

Notice No: 792 GG: 35746 Date: 05/10/2012