On the evening of October 30, Middelburg scored 153 on the US Air Quality Index, which placed our town among the most polluted in the world.

The major contributing factors to this egregious score are believed to be the surrounding mines and power stations, but instead of combating the issues plaguing our air, Eskom placed the following notice in the November 1 edition of the Middelburg Observer:

“Application for exemption from the minimum emission standards. This appeal relates to five Eskom-owned power stations situated in the Highveld; Kendal Power Stations near Ogies, Matla Power Stations near Ga-Nala, Duvha Power Stations near eMalahleni, Majuba Power Stations near Amersfoort, and Tutuka Power Stations near Standerton.”

Eskom cited ‘restrictive legal framework, the advanced age of Eskom’s power plant feet, and the technical challenges of reducing emissions’ as motives for the application in the notice.

They also stated, “The applications are made with due consideration of the air quality surrounding the stations.”

Dates and times of the public meetings

A review and comment period will take place from November 6 to December 6, with nine meetings to be held to discuss the public’s concerns.

The only meeting to be held in Middelburg will take place on December 3 at the Eastdene Community Hall on Verdoorn Street, with a starting time of 12:00.

• November 14 – NG Kerk, 10:00, Church Street, Ogies – Meeting Agenda: Kendal

• November 14 – Secunnda Community Hall, 18:00, Walter Sisulu Road, corner of Fisant Street, Lilian Ngoyi Centre Building – Meeting Agenda: All stations in Highveld priority area

• November 19 – eMalahleni Civic Centre, 18:00, Mandela Street – Meeting Agenda: Duvha

• November 20 – Ga Nala (Kriel) Municipal Chambers, 10:00, Quintin Street, Ga-Nala – Malta

• November 20 – Standerton Community Hall, 18:00, 81 Tamarisk Street, Standerton – Meeting Agenda: Tutuka

• November 21 – Siyazenzela Community Hall, 10:00, Durban Street – Meeting Agenda: Majuba

• November 25 – Online meeting, 13:00, Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 334 202 077 604, Passcode: 8PwGGQ – Meeting Agenda: All power Stations

• November 26 – Eskom Academy of Learning, 10:00, Dale Road, Midrand – Meeting Agenda: All power stations

What the public can do

Residents are urged to take necessary action and attend these public forums to raise legitimate grievances, as this may be the only chance to oppose and/or discuss the application.

Eskom’s response

The Middelburg Observer asked Eskom who would be responsible for the company’s air emissions if the application is granted, and whether Eskom would be entirely self-regulated.

We also asked what actions are currently being implemented to reduce Eskom’s effect on the Highveld’s dismal air quality.

We further questioned how Eskom would respond if the application was rejected, and if they would immediately reapply for exemption?

Eskom did not offer a response in time for publication.

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