The impact of environmental management of the industrial sector on sustainable community development in selected municipalities in the Mopani District of the Limpopo Province

Abstract

Industrial development without proper environmental management is likely to have an environmental effect by impacting negatively on community sustainable development, the biological environment such as fauna and flora, heritage resources such as Modjadji cycard trees, the baobab and the physical environment, such as air, water and land. It could also potentially impact the quality of life and the natural resources, while, on the other hand, contributing positively to economic development. Exposure to environmental pollution remains a major source of health risk throughout the world. Risks are however generally higher in most developing countries where there is lack of knowledge of modern technologies, cleaner production. Furthermore, there is also often non-compliance with environmental legislation. The above challenges have stimulated the current researcher to embark on this research study. The study seeks to investigate the impact of environmental management of the industrial sector on sustainable community development in selected municipalities of Mopani District in Limpopo Province. Despite major efforts over recent years to clean the environment; pollution remains a major problem and poses continuous risks to health of the people. This study is concerned with how community sustainable development is impacted negatively by poor environmental management of industrial sectors. The study uses selected municipalities in Mopani District of Limpopo Province as the study area. Mopani District is a very sensitive area as it consists of protected areas, indigenous forests, biospheres, wetlands, endangered species (Modjadji cycads), as well as cultural heritage sites. Most people in the area depend on agricultural activities that are likely to be affected by climate change as a result of industrial pollution and non-compliance with environmental management. In this study, the researcher adopts the mixed methods approach which includes both qualitative and quantitative research. The methods enabled the researcher to critically analyse the impact of environmental management of industrial sector on sustainable community development in selected municipalities of Mopani District in Limpopo Province. Both interviews and questionnaires were employed to conduct the study.

The objectives of the analysis are to identify and appraise aspects of environmental management that impact negatively on sustainable community development. Challenges that hamper the effectiveness of environmental management were also investigated.

The findings showed that bad odours emanating from the industries result in a lack of sustainability as well as symptoms of illness amongst community members. The study further finds that poor environmental management impacts negatively on local economic development. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made to assist stakeholders with environmental management and sustainable community development: Owners of the industries should be encouraged to avoid issues that may have a negative impact on matters related to natural and human disaster, so as to achieve sustainable community development. They should be encouraged to adhere to environmental laws, so as to curb the generation of toxic waste. Policy makers should be encouraged to develop interventions and environmental strategies to compel owners of industries to adhere to all legislations related to environmental management. This process could assist local municipalities to achieve sustainable development in the Mopani District.