Green Scorpions to assist locating the culprit of East Lynne pollution
“Colourants have been added to selected points in the stormwater system to identify the inlet location of the polluting pipeline, and the search has now been narrowed down to Lanham Street and eastwards from Meeu Street.”
The investigation into the chemical pollution in the greater East Lynne area is continuing, according to DA councillor of ward 87 Freddy Pienaar.
Tshwane metro spokesperson Sipho Stuurman said during the past four weeks the metro, together with national and provincial government officials, have been investigating complaints of a pungent chemical smell in the area.
“Investigations by Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs), Air Quality Management, Environmental Health Practitioners, Industrial Effluent Control and the National Department of Water and Sanitation have been ongoing, but to date, the source of the smell has not been found.
“Since the start of the probe, officials visited industrial areas, open areas, stormwater and sewer networks as well as several private properties to locate the source of the smell.”
He said after much sample-testing it was determined that the pollutant is a mixture of petrol and diesel, and investigators suspect illegal dumping into the stormwater network.
“Colourants have been added to selected points in the stormwater system to identify the inlet location of the polluting pipeline, and the search has now been narrowed down to Lanham Street and eastwards from Meeu Street.”
He said the metro wished to reassure residents that investigations will continue until the culprits have been identified, and the metro will ensure that prosecutions in terms of the Environmental Legislation will follow.
Freedom Front Plus councillor Dehan Harmse, said the party encouraged the metro to do everything in its power to find the culprits.
Harmse said he was pleased that the departments were busy with preventative work to prevent further pollution in the water.
“The metro has also requested the assistance of the Green Scorpions in this regard.
“Community members are concerned about the high level of pollution and met to discuss the matter last week at Hoërskool Transvalia.”
He said it was reported that tests have shown that benzene was found in the water.
“Residents in the area of Moreleta Spruit are requested to see a doctor should they experience any side effects, and to send an email containing the diagnosis to the MMC for health, Gertruida Marx at GertruidaM@Tshwane.gov.za.”
ALSO READ: Mamelodi girl still missing after two weeks
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
