Residents of Ekurhuleni will soon have an opportunity to comment on a draft air quality management by-law that proposes tighter air quality controls and management.
Metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed the draft by-law proposing tough measures went through council last week and will soon be released for public comment.
“This was after hard work by the relevant officials within the City, and we must commend the team for having done such good work.
“We encourage the community to make a meaningful contribution at the right time once the document has gone public so the best interests of the people of Ekurhuleni are taken care of,” said Dlamini.
DA welcomes proposed by-law
The DA in Ekurhuleni said it welcomes the by-law and calls for strict implementation.
“The by-law has been drafted to ensure the protection of Ekurhuleni residents’ health by maintaining stricter air quality control standards, which recently have been polluted by toxic gases, such as excessive carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane, emanating from mines, industrial areas and landfill sites,” explained Clr Amanda Davison, DA member of environment, resource and waste management in Ekurhuleni.
Davison pointed out that findings made in the National Air Quality Report in 2014 revealed Ekurhuleni was identified as having the worst quality of air due to high levels of industrial pollution.
“Of equal concern is the flouting of environmental regulations where many industries around the metro operate without air emission licences. In addition, the lacklustre implementation and lack of commitment to clean energy principles by the metro has also contributed to the poor air quality, placing residents’ health under threat,” said Davison.
“The ANC-led metro, with their coalition partners, pays lip service to the City’s commitment to sustainable practices in contributing to a ‘green city’.
Also Read: Metro slams air pollution in Angelo
“Toxic levels of air pollution due to outdated policies, with the metro’s inability to enforce environmental regulations, undermines the commitment to the green city concept.
“It is, therefore, imperative the by-law be implemented as a matter of urgency to provide the basis for stricter air quality control to enforce standards in the interest of protecting residents’ health, which has been under threat in recent times due to the pandemic.”
The DA calls for it to be expedited for public participation and that the metro be held to account in their aspirations and promises of creating a clean and green City. In addition, the party calls on the public to submit their views and opinions as part of the process in order to address the poor quality of air in their communities.
Also Read: Ekurhuleni’s air is the highest polluted in the country
