Elandshoek gets new air quality sensor at clean air dialogue
While air pollution poses various health risks, residents are being encouraged to take charge of monitoring emissions and reducing waste.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment hosted a clean air community dialogue in Elandshoek on Thursday, July 23, to raise awareness about air pollution and hand over a community air quality monitoring sensor.
The Constitution of South Africa guarantees everyone the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being. However, air pollution continues to pose serious health risks, contributing to respiratory diseases, heart conditions and other illnesses, especially among children, the elderly and vulnerable communities.
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Multiple sources drive regional pollution
Communities in the Highveld Priority Area, including Elandshoek, are affected by pollution from several sources. These include domestic fuel and waste burning, vehicle emissions, industrial activities, mining, road dust and veld fires.
In the Ehlanzeni District, forestry, agriculture, mining and transport are major contributors to poor air quality.
Sensor boosts local air monitoring
The newly installed air quality sensor will help monitor local pollution levels, improve public access to air quality information and support environmental education. It will also encourage schools, communities and government to work together in protecting the environment.
The deputy minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, stressed that technology alone cannot solve air pollution.
“Communities have a responsibility to avoid burning waste, use cleaner energy sources where possible, maintain vehicles properly and report illegal pollution activities,” she said.
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Youth urged to lead green future
Young people were encouraged to take part in environmental programmes and become future environmental leaders. They called for co-operation between communities, municipalities and the government to ensure cleaner air, healthier communities and a more sustainable future for all South Africans.
