Alex community unites for clean air workshop
Alex residents, organisations, and the City of Johannesburg’s Environment and Infrastructure Services officials held a workshop in Alexandra, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier future ahead of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
As Johannesburg gears up for the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, the city’s commitment to enhancing air quality took centre stage during a vibrant community engagement workshop in Alexandra.
Alex residents, organisations, and city officials gathered at the Altrek Sports Complex on September 4, united by a shared goal: to confront the pressing environmental challenges posed by air pollution.
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With voices of hope and actionable strategies reverberating throughout the session; this gathering marked a significant step towards fostering a cleaner, healthier future for Johannesburg’s communities.
The workshop, organised by the City of Johannesburg’s Environment and Infrastructure Services Department, aimed to raise awareness about air quality and environmental issues.
It attracted significant participation from various community-based organisations, including Breathe Cities, Be Free, Alexandra Water Warriors, Water and Sanitation Forum, Farmers’ Market Yethu, and A Re Kganyeng.
In preparation for the workshop, representatives from Breathe Cities toured the Alexandra Air Quality Monitoring Station at East Bank Clinic. Established in 2002, the station is pivotal in tracking air pollution levels in Alexandra and its surrounding areas using advanced technology.
During the session, the City of Johannesburg’s Environment and Infrastructure Services executive director Tebogo Modiba emphasised the critical importance of environmental protection.
He encouraged community members to plant more trees while also responsibly managing existing ones. “We are here to listen to the challenges and bring solutions by working together,” Modiba said.
Modiba highlighted the need to curb air pollution caused by harmful practices such as burning tyres and domestic waste.
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Bongi Moleko of Be Free expressed gratitude for the city’s initiatives aimed at combating air pollution in the township.
He urged community members to take a role in environmental conservation. “We need to be environment ambassadors, educating people about environmental issues and mobilising them to make a difference in their areas,” Moleko said.
Breathe Cities executive director Jaime Pumarejo highlighted the partnership between Breathe Cities, the Clean Air Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and C40 Cities, an initiative aimed at reducing air pollution and curbing climate emissions globally.
“Johannesburg is one of our major partners, where we are working to improve the quality of life of its citizens by cleaning the air,” Pumarejo said.
He commended the city’s proactive measures and ongoing collaboration with the community to address air quality challenges.
Ward 105 councillor Tefo Raphadu expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and the active involvement of community members and stakeholders.
“It’s encouraging to see everyone here today as part of creating awareness about air pollution. Let’s continue to educate our people about the importance of clean air,” Raphadu said.
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