I wish to inform residents of Umsunduzi Municipality that a team of fire-fighters, environmentalists and other experts has been deployed to deal with the fire that broke out on municipal land adjacent to a manufacturing plastic factory.
The fire burnt down the factory containing plastic and equipment. The incident happened few kilometres away from the New England Landfill Site.
I have requested a formal report from environmentalists who have been on site since 15h30. Although I am still waiting for this formal report, I must hasten to point out that we won’t hesitate to take action against anyone found responsible for this air-pollution.
There is a research which has shown that long term exposure to pollutants such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide can reduce lung function and cause respiratory illness.
These pollutants have also been shown to cause a persistent inflammatory response even in the relatively young and to increase the risk of infection by viruses that target the respiratory tract.
It should be remembered that last week I briefed the Portfolio Committee on Conservation and Environmental Affairs about the importance of clean air during this period.
We have stated as the department that as we move forward, our efforts will focus on ensuring that the private sector and all spheres of government commit and work together to improve air quality.
We are stepping up efforts aimed at cutting emissions and cleaning up the air for communities across the province. With many companies getting back to business, we are expecting an increase in quality pollution.
I have reminded the people of this province and all stakeholders that during the first weeks of lockdown that there was tranquillity.
Many companies stopped production;
The transport system around the world came to a grinding halt;
Air and automobile travel was dramatically reduced.
I have asked - how do these changes impact the quality of the air we breathe, and, if maintained, how might that affect our overall health and wellbeing?
I have further questioned - what lessons can we learn from this unique time period that will help us to better manage air pollution once traditional travel and company production resumes?
To deal with all these issues, a comprehensive Air Quality strategy is being developed and completion expected around 30 October.
This strategy will be implemented across all municipalities. Our long term plan is to ensure that leaders of society, academics, big corporate, elected public representatives and communities adopt a single strategy for implementation to deal with air-pollution.
Critically, I have indicated that as the department we are fully aware that the South Durban basin is heavily air-polluted with many people experiencing respiratory illnesses. It can’t be business as usual.
Regarding New England Landfill Site, we are encouraged by the positive response from number of communities who are part of Love Pietermaritzburg initiative. Weeks ago, we presented our plan aimed at turning around the situation at New England Landfill Site.
We have agreed to work together with representatives of this initiative. They have also offered to share their skills and expertise on the area of waste management.
The Ministerial Committee appointed by the Premier Sihle Zikalala to work on the New England Landfill Site will continue to work with all stakeholders to deal with air-pollution.
The members of this committee include myself, MEC for Finance Ravi Pillay, MEC for Transport and Community Safety and Liaison Bheki Ntuli, MEC for COGTA Sipho Hlomuka, Mayor of Umsunduzi Municipality Cllr Mzimkhulu Thebolla, uMgungundlovu District Mayor Cllr Thobekile Maphumulo and the Technical Team of officials representing three spheres of government.
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
Nathi Olifant
Cell: 060 970 5113
