The Gauteng Department of Environment is inviting residents to join its community outreach programme, which will focus on air quality and ways to improve it.

According to Rand West City Local Municipality communication representative Caroline Setsiba, the programme is facilitated by the West Rand District Municipality to provide communities with information about air quality and to improve their understanding of local air conditions.

Setsiba noted that this initiative will ultimately enable residents to make informed decisions regarding their health and the environment.

“The programme will include interactive sessions, demonstrations and exhibitions, and will also address compliance issues. Additionally, low-cost air quality sensors will be installed to help monitor conditions in the community. There will be seven different areas where the installations will take place,” she said.

The West Rand District Municipality has announced the following dates and venues:

23 October:
• Mohlakeng Ramosa Hall (Ward 13)
• Uitvalfontein (Ward 8)
• Westonaria Waste Depot (Ward 24)
• Simunye Library and Clinic (Ward 28)

24 October:
• Greenhills Stadium (Ward 6)
• RWCLM Infrastructure Building (Ward 5)
• Bekkersdal Police Station (Ward 31)

According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, both outdoor and indoor air pollution remain significant concerns in South Africa. Air quality across regions is influenced by pollutants from a wide range of sources, including power generation, industrial processes, waste disposal, transport, biomass and domestic fuel burning, landfill sites, wastewater treatment and agricultural activities.

Click here to read more about air quality in South Africa.