the Vaal Triangle by launching air quality monitoring stations
11 April 2007
"The launch of the first government owned Air Quality Monitoring Network for
the Vaal Triangle marks a new chapter in our quest to liberate communities from
breathing air that has been polluted by harmful substances."
These were the words of Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice
Mabudafhasi, at the official opening of the six air quality monitoring stations
in the Vaal Airshed today.
The air quality monitoring stations are installed within various
municipalities in the Vaal Triangle and four of them are located in schools.
They are aimed at providing scientific air quality data in the Vaal Airshed
which will be used as a basis against which informed air quality management
decisions are taken in terms of priority areas (hot spots). The stations will
also assist to verify the accuracy of data received from the industry's own
monitoring stations.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that the placing of monitoring stations in
schools demonstrates that the Department's focus is not only to measure the
amount of air pollution in the area but also as a gesture to instil
environmental knowledge and interest amongst the youth and communities at
large.
She also indicated that since the area has been declared a priority area,
significant progress has been achieved in terms of developing an air quality
management plan which outlines a systematic approach in addressing air
pollution from all sources.
Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi warned industries that do not wish to co-operate
by providing the necessary information about their emissions, that government
will exercise its legal powers to ensure compliance at all times.
For more information please contact:
Blessing Manale
Acting Chief Director Communications
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Tel: (012) 310 3813
Cell: 083 677 1630
Moses Rannditsheni
Office of the Deputy Minister
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Cell: 082 448 2450
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
11 April 2007
