The department should work toward attaining 100% in assessing EIA applications on time, rather than any percentage below 100%, as delayed consideration of EIA applications may discourage potential investors and developers. Some of the developments for which EIA applications are being delayed might have very significant implications for job creation and hence poverty eradication. Furthermore, the department stated that it received and reviewed only a limited number of Environmental Impact Management (EIM) applications during the 2009/10 financial year. It would be appropriate to state why only four EIM allocations were received and the conditions under which these applications are made.