City spurns pollution watchdog
The expertise of the Richards Bay Clean Air Association appears to be unwanted by the City
‘THE uniqueness of the Richards Bay Clean Air Association (RBCAA) lies in the collective voluntary body of expertise, which no amount of money can buy.’
That confident assertion was made by RBCAA Managing Director, Hanif Mahommed, at their 16th Annual General Meeting held last week at Umhambi Lodge in Meerensee.
However, the association’s proven track record, quality scientific data, and support and input from all local corporates appears to matter little to the City of uMhlathuze hierarchy.
The RBCAA’s relationship with the City of uMhlathuze, a founder member of the association since its establishment in 1997, has until recent years been one of mutual benefit and good co-operation.
However, after failing to renew its seat on the Board, the municipality indicated its unwillingness to be affiliated to the RBCAA, despite the association’s position to assist with monitoring new and prospective industrial development.
‘The RBCAA has 15 years’ worth of quality data which can be used effectively as a regulatory and planning tool,’ said Mahommed.
The RBCAA can confidently make informed and scientifically sound decisions relating to air quality issues.
‘The quality and availability of the data collected by the RBCAA Network is critical in this respect.’
However, he said the lack of cooperation, which seems to be linked to skilled capacity within the uMhlathuze Municipality, remained an obstacle.
‘The challenge we have faced is the reluctance of the authorities to make use of our data for these purposes.
‘The relationship between the RBCAA and the authorities is an important one.
‘We believe that collaborative partnerships with local government will be of great benefit to all stakeholders, leading to improved air quality in the wider uMhlathuze area.
Highs and lows
The RBCAA’s Annual Ambient Air Quality Report for 2012 showed an increase in measured exceedance for Sulphur Dioxide S02, Total Reduced Sulphur (TRS) and Fine Particulate (PM10) emissions.
A 27% decrease was noted in the number of complaints logged during 2012 in comparison to 2011.
Mondi remains the major source of complaints (57%), but was commended for its commitment to reducing odours from the plant, at significant cost.
Five members from industry were elected to the Board of Directors, namely BHP Billiton, Foskor, Mondi, Tata Steel KZN and Richards Bay Minerals, while Sandy Camminga, Donovan Barton-Hobbs and the Zululand Fire Protection Association were elected as non-corporate/community members.
The RBCAA is in a sound financial position and the EXCO was commended on its excellent management of financial affairs.
The Zululand Observer was thanked for its ‘important role in raising and maintaining the public profile of the RBCAA’.
‘We are appreciative of the fact that the monthly reports appear in the newspaper at no cost to the association.
‘The Observer’s service to the community in this regard is highly commendable,’ said Mahommed.
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Is this just another political move to silence those doing good to benefit the surrounding community. This political game must be stopped. There are so many examples of political influence to gain increased benefits for a few priveledged!