Through the implementation of a new, completely automated environmental-impact assessment (EIA) system, Environment MEC Lebogang Maile expects to significantly reduce the turnaround time for EIAs from an average of 18 months to 90 days.

To date, R5-million had been spent on the system, which had yet to be introduced, Maile told a media briefing on Tuesday at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in Johannesburg before his Budget Vote speech.

The system was aimed at ensuring consistent decision-making and a seamless authorisation process.

“Surveys on the cost of business in Gauteng often point out delays in getting environmental authorisations for developments as one of the biggest hurdles to a smooth business environment.

“As much as 19% of the 500 small businesses surveyed in 2013 cited glitches associated with the EIA process as a big challenge to doing business in the province,” Maile said in a statement.

The new EIA system would allow prospective investors to submit their applications with supporting documents and receive online feedback about the application’s status. Information on zoning and land-use patterns for different areas of Gauteng would also be available “at a click of a button”.

Maile pointed out that 247 EIAs were approved during the 2014/15 financial year against a target of 200 and included approvals for the Aerotropolis and the Ekurhuleni bus rapid transport system.