SEDIBENG. – The Sedibeng District Municipality has confirmed that the persistent unpleasant odour reported across parts of the Vaal Triangle and surrounding areas is now the subject of a national-level investigation.

In a media statement issued on 17 February, the municipality said consultations with the Gauteng Department of Environment and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) indicate that the smell is considered “cross-boundary pollution”, meaning it involves more than one jurisdiction.

According to the statement, the DFFE has taken responsibility for the matter and is conducting a formal investigation to determine the exact source, extent and environmental impact of the odour. Environmental compliance processes are under way and relevant stakeholders have been notified.

Residents in Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Sasolburg, parts of the East Rand and even as far as Oranjeville have in recent months complained of a strong ammonia-like smell, often described as resembling cat urine. Previous reports saw various theories emerge, including possible industrial activity, although some companies publicly ruled out their operations as the source.