The children of Kanana Nehemia daycare sat in the main hall while staff of the department and daycare teachers painted the school with lead-free paint.
Enviromental health practitioner, Sharlene Moshidi said the campaign aimed to educate communities. “Lead is found in most paints and is harmful to people,” she said. “The campaign aims to educate the community of Kanana and staff and children at Nehemia daycare about the importance of using lead-free paint.
“It is easy to inhale paint dust and if lead-based paint is used to paint a place such as a daycare, it will cause headaches, diarrhoea and behavioural changes in children.”
Region A Health inspector Robert Shayi said the City of Joburg chose Nehemia daycare as it met certain criteria. “We had to look into whether the daycare has a health permit and if it meets structural and environmental standards, which it did.”
Ward 80 councillor, Queen Sikweqa was present to show her support for the campaign. “It is important to look after children and to protect them from harmful environmental factors at home and at school,” she said.
The daycare’s principal, Nobuhle Mkhize was excited about the City of Joburg’s visit to the centre. “They [pupils] are young and may not understand why we are painting the school today, but at least they will be protected from the dangers of using lead-based paint. I am excited that our centre is also getting a fresh coat of paint.”
