'CHILDREN HAVE DIED DUE TO BREATHING PROBLEMS' South Durban community demands action on air quality monitoring

THE South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (Sdcea) is calling for the immediate repair and expansion of ambient air quality monitoring stations operated by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea).

- YOSHINI PERUMAL [e-mail]

The organisation's air quality and health officer, Bongani Mthembu, said in a bid to resolve the air quality issues, the Edtea needed transparent emissions data sharing from industries, a policy enforcement with real penalties for polluters, and community involvement in environmental decision-making.

"We also call for the support of clean energy alternatives and emissions reduction technology, and a dedicated health response unit in affected areas.

"Without functioning air quality monitoring stations, it becomes extremely difficult to detect, record or respond to pollution spikes in real-time. This puts vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and people with preexisting health conditions at greater risk. It also hampers efforts to hold polluters accountable and limits the data available for policy-making and community advocacy," he added.

Mthembu said communities in highly-industrialised zones like south Durban, which included Merebank, Wentworth, Bluff and Clairwood, were most at risk.

"Other affected areas include Isipingo, Umbilo, Umkomaas, Richards Bay and parts of Newcastle. These communities face exposure to harmful pollutants from petrochemical industries, paper mills, coal mines and transport corridors.

"Our main concerns include the lack of enforcement and transparency from polluting industries, the inadequate response from government agencies — including the Edtea - the health impacts especially increased respiratory illnesses and cancers, and the failure to consult communities before decisions like refinery closures or repurposing.