Since the city has been dubbed the industrial hub of Southern Africa, the status has both negative and positive implications for its residents.
Themba Gadebe, Ekurhuleni media liaison officer, said the city falls within the Highveld priority area, as per the national management Air Quality Act, as a result of air pollution linked to industry
Th project will require the participation of Ekurhuleni residents from all walks of life.
Businesses, schools, churches, clubs and everyone else are invited to participate.
Those participating in the challenge will be requested to plant their tree at a specific time, within 11 minutes, on September 13.
“The programme’s objective is to create an urban forest as a climate change-proofing initiative, to directly respond to the formidable challenges and risks posed by the pending, unpredictable negative impacts of this environmental change,” said Hezel Nkosi, head of environmental resource management and development.
Nkosi added that the 11 minutes is given as a symbol of urgency that action needs to be taken in order to combat the negative impacts posed by climate change.
Interested Benoni residents can contact the project manager for Benoni, Tyron Charles, on 011 99 4079.
