IN response to ongoing challenges of air pollution affecting residents in the South Durban areas, especially Wentworth and Merebank, the eThekwini Health Unit’s Pollution Control and Risk Management Department hosted an air quality education and awareness programme at the Austerville Community Hall recently.

Also read: Waste collectors blamed for ongoing illegal dumping in Merebank

The aim of the programme is to bridge the knowledge gap by educating communities about air quality and its impact.

Air quality and health officer at the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, Bongani Mthembu, said the programme also aimed at educating the residents about the status of air pollution in the area.

“The main objective was to give the community an update on the current status of air quality on the South of Durban. Residents were assured that the municipality has worked hard to ensure that the companies that were refining are no longer doing so. Therefore this has reduced air pollution in our areas,” said Mthembu

According to a statement from eThekwini Municipality, the programmes go beyond simply raising awareness by inspiring action.

• It empowers people with knowledge to encourage others to make meaningful changes in the community
• It encourages the community to avoid burning waste and adopt cleaner technologies,
• It plays a key role in promoting compliance with air quality

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