Analysis of Water Pollution Control Laws in South Africa

Abstract

This paper examines regulatory interventions to prevent, control and curb water pollution by considering various environmental laws principles that are in place to checkmate the activities of polluters. It looks at the extent at which the regulatory institutions have stood up to the challenge of tackling water pollution and remedial actions taken. As courts are known to be playing proactive roles in enforcing water pollution control laws, the paper considers some of the court cases and applied their salient decisions to the discourse, especially with regard to holding polluters accountable. This is to compel to the polluters to remedy the pollution caused as a result of irresponsible or reckless behaviour. The paper argues that even though some polluters seek to contribute to the economic growth and development through their industrial activities, they are often the main source of water pollution in the country. Against the backdrop of this, it is emphasised that there is need to maintain the balance between economic growth and development and at the same time ensure that water is not polluted in order to preserve and guarantee sustainable use of water for both domestic and industrial activities.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p2572