Lack of community engagement. The community has not been adequately consulted or involved in decision-making.
At no point was the community ever angaged by the consultants ), Ezimabutho (PTY) LTD and the ever failing Newcastle municipality.
The coalition government has placed us in this mess. Three mining applications next to residential areas, D96, Farm Lennoxton and Boschhoek Farm. They are guilty of approving the applications with very little respect for the community
Councils play a crucial role in approving mining rights, ensuring that mining activities align with local development objectives, environmental regulations, and community interests. Here are some key responsibilities:
# 1. Environmental Considerations
1. *Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)*: Councils must ensure that a comprehensive EIA is conducted to identify potential environmental impacts.
2. *Environmental Management Plan*: Councils must review and approve an Environmental Management Plan that outlines measures to mitigate environmental impacts.
# 2. Land-Use Planning
1. *Zoning and Land-Use Regulations*: Councils must ensure that mining activities comply with local zoning and land-use regulations.
2. *Spatial Planning*: Councils must consider the spatial implications of mining activities on surrounding land uses and communities.
# 3. Community Engagement and Participation
1. *Public Participation*: Councils must facilitate public participation and consultation with affected communities.
2. *Community Benefits*: Councils must ensure that mining activities provide benefits to local communities, such as job creation, infrastructure development, and social investments.
# 4. Health and Safety
1. *Health and Safety Regulations*: Councils must ensure that mining activities comply with relevant health and safety regulations.
2. *Risk Assessment*: Councils must review and approve a risk assessment that identifies potential health and safety risks.
# 5. Economic Benefits
1. *Economic Benefits*: Councils must ensure that mining activities provide economic benefits to the local community, such as revenue generation and job creation.
2. *Revenue Sharing*: Councils must negotiate revenue-sharing agreements with mining companies to ensure fair compensation for local communities.
# 6. Monitoring and Compliance
1. *Monitoring*: Councils must monitor mining activities to ensure compliance with approved plans and regulations.
2. *Enforcement*: Councils must enforce regulations and take action against non-compliant mining activities.
# 7. Transparency and Accountability
1. *Transparency*: Councils must ensure transparency in the decision-making process and provide access to information.
2. *Accountability*: Councils must be accountable for their decisions and actions related to mining rights approvals.
