LCP4805 ASSIGNMENT 1 MEMO - SEMESTER 1 UNISA - 2022

Question 1 Provide a detailed explanation of each of the following aspects: (a) Anthropocentrism (5) (b) Biocentrism (5) (c) A definition of environmental law (5) (15) Question 2 Question 2 Due to acute water shortages experienced during the past five years, the local authority of Hammanskraal decided to build a facility for the desalination of seawater with the capacity to produce 200 cubic metres of treated water per day, suitable for human consumption and irrigation. The building of a desalination plant requires an environmental impact assessment (EIA) in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of 2017. The relevant authorities considered the EIA carried out and granted the authorisation. However, the local ratepayer’s association is against the construction of the desalination plant because of the expensive infrastructure required and the negative impact on the environment, for example, the residues produced by the desalination process and the large amounts of energy required during the process. The association alleges further that it was not asked for any input in the matter and that the relevant authorities did not provide any reasons for their decision. Does the local ratepayer’s association, in terms of South Africa’s Constitution, have legal standing (locus standi) to challenge the decision to grant authorisation to build the desalination plant in a competent court? (Briefly describe the concept of locus standi in your answer) (10) TOTAL: [25]