The residents of Klerksoord in Pretoria North should no longer have to endure the excessive air pollution caused by a tyre recycling operation in the area that is failing to comply with municipal health and environmental regulations.
The operation’s air pollution was brought to a head on 16 August when a fire broke out at the premises and firefighting services had to battle for six days to extinguish it.
While the fire was raging, many residents contacted the Freedom Front Plus, reporting respiratory problems such as shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches and aggravated asthma.
One resident stated that she could no longer leave her home and even had to wear a mask indoors.
It is unacceptable. The Freedom Front Plus immediately asked the Metro’s Departments of Health, Community Safety and Environment to address the issue.
This is not the first time the Freedom Front Plus brought the matter to the attention of the respective departments.
The party had requested an investigation into the operation, which incinerates tyres throughout the year for recycling purposes, in 2022 already.
Following an investigation, the Department of Community Safety found that the operation did not comply with any municipal regulations or by-laws, and instructed its management to either comply with legislation or shut the operation down. Nothing came of this instruction.
The Environmental Department conducted a second investigation in May this year, but is yet to provide any feedback.
The Freedom Front Plus demands the following from the Tshwane Metro’s respective departments:
• That the report on the findings of the Environmental Department’s investigation into the operation be disclosed at once.
• That criminal and administrative action be taken against the owner if the operation is guilty of irregular conduct.
• That a comprehensive survey of residents and the surrounding community’s health be conducted.
• That the area’s air quality be continuously monitored and publicly reported.
• A meeting with the oversight committees of the relevant departments in the Metro Council to determine the way forward.
The residents of Klerksoord and surrounds have suffered for long enough, and deserve to live and work in an environment that is not hazardous to their health.
The Freedom Front Plus will not rest until the matter is thoroughly investigated and resolved.
