The following is slightly abridged from a statement issued by the African National Congress government of the province of PWV.
World Environment Day offers the new South Africa and our province the chance to address the pollution legacy of apartheid.
The PWV Province is committed to addressing violence which has destroyed the social environment of our communities, the lack of clean water, sanitation and proper drainage facilities that has led to so many infant deaths. The lack of refuse removals and irresponsible dumping of toxic waste by companies that has impacted negatively on the health and quality of life of the majority of our people.
Therefore we have after consultation with the people decided to launch a program to tackle these environmental issues. But of course the development of a beautiful neighbourhood includes parks and the planting of trees and clean sidewalks but goes beyond that to the development of healthy communities free from crime and where people can relax.
The campaign will focus on cleaning of townships; development of parks; tree planting; workshops; seminars; * and a plan of action directed at toxic pollution.
With regard to toxic pollution, the deputy national minister of environment Major General Bantu Holomisa will be visiting Chloorkop in Kempton Park. Tembisa residents have for some time been waging a campaign against the irresponsible dumping of toxic waste which has polluted the environment.
Five non-exhaustive aspects have informed our campaign.
1. Key environmental issues in townships including:
- Lack of adequate housing
- Inadequate services including refuse collection, sewerage and provision of clean water
- Pollution from wood and coal fires
- Pollution from nearby industries.
2. Indoor pollution and respiratory illness
Indoor pollution from coal and wood smoke causes respiratory illnesses in black children at the rate of around seven times that of white children. The introduction of electricity is essential for improving the life expectancy of black children.
3. Outdoor pollution
A study carried out in 1988 indicated that boys in polluted industrial towns such as Witbank, Springs and Welkom were substantially shorter than those in clean rural towns such as Nylstroom. They were also much more prone to early morning coughing, wheezing and asthma.
4. The use of asbestos
Many township houses have been built with asbestos roofs. Asbestos can cause lung damage, ie asbestosis, an increase in cancer and mesothelioma, which is a fatal form of cancer.
5. Public open spaces
The majority of townships have little or no parks or public open spaces. These areas are essential for the social and physical health of any society.
This is just the beginning, and we will be developing the campaign in consultation with communities, business and workers to ensure that all decisions are informed by environment considerations of our people. Development strategies must incorporate environmental consequences in the process of planning. Finally this ministry plans to ensure a transparent style and the transformation of environmental management to promote the active participation of civil society.