The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has extended the period available for the public and key sector stakeholders to comment on the unconventional gas regulations, as published in government notice 406 in Government Gazette 44545 in May, by 60 days.
This follows after stakeholders requested the extension, stating that 30 days was insufficient to consult with several specialists within their organisations.
DWS spokesperson Sputnik Ratau says the department published the regulations for public comment on May 7 and had initially provided a period of 30 days for the public to make written inputs.
He adds that the department will engage directly with stakeholders on the published regulations.
“The dates and times for the planned stakeholder engagements will also be communicated in due course,” he notes.