Ledet to raise awareness on dangers of air pollution

The Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) is scheduled to host an environmental awareness campaign in Moetagare village in Ga-Matlala today (Thursday).
The session would form part of the World Environment Day celebrations which commenced on 5 June at Thabazimbi Stadium guided by the theme ‘Air pollution’. The next gathering is set for 20 June in Muhlaba Cross village in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and Dichoeung Community Hall in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality while the last session is scheduled for 27 June in Muduluni Community Hall in Thabazimbi Municipality.
It was learnt that the celebration of the day provides an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment. Air pollution is the release of pollutants such as car emissions, chemicals from factories, dust and pollen into the air that are harmful to human health and the planet.
Departmental spokesperson Zaid Kalla stated that they were on a mission to make residents aware of the dangers of air pollution. He added that they recently opened an air quality monitoring station in Sekhukhune as well as in the Thabazimbi and Musina areas.
“Our aim is to have air quality monitoring stations in every municipality – especially those with mining sites. As we are on a mission to improve the local economy, we don’t want to do it at the expense of our people in the mining communities. We want them to stay updated on the quality of air they inhale for them to play their part in helping us minimise air pollution,” Kalla explained and concluded by encouraging residents to attend the environmental awareness campaigns to broaden their knowledge.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za