|
Written by Enviroadmin
|
|
Tuesday, 01 June 2010 14:26 |
Dear Readers
This coming Saturday, 5th of May 2010, is the Johannesburg Clean Up Day.
 With everyone’s help and participation we can make this a great day and get Joburg looking neat and clean for our world cup visitors.
Thank you.
Objectives
To clean up Joburg for the FIFA Soccer World Cup starting June 11.
To change minds and bad habits towards littering
To get everyone to place rubbish into bins and bags so that Pikitup can do their job more efficiently.
And to celebrate World Environment Day also on June 05
Awareness Campaign
• Radio advertising on all stations — e.g. Kaya, YFM, 702, 94.7,JoziFM, Alex, Thetha FM, Eldos FM
• Newspaper advertising in all papers — e.g. Star, Citizen, Sowetan, Daily Sun and all local papers
• Billboards
Logistics
• Campaign launch date starts on May 15
• 74 Collection Points in 11 regionshave been identified and listed on this site.
• Please register if you wish to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who can participate or register for the cleanup?
A: All Joburg citizens including Pikitup Staff, CoJ Employees, businesses, Churches, groups and schools. (No age restrictions).
Q: What time am I expected on site and how long can I spend?
A: You can spend as little as 30 minutes to an hour between 09:00am and 12:00pm
This community effort is driven by PIKITUP
Read 0 Comments... >> |
|
Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 June 2010 13:03 |
|
Written by Enviroadmin
|
|
Monday, 24 May 2010 23:02 |
Oct 01, 2007:
...
» Oct 01, 2007: Beleaguered developer angers more residents - locals say development will pollute the area's groundwater.
A Joburg property developer has Mogale City residents fuming over his plan to turn an ecologically sensitive site neighbouring the Cradle of Humankind into a residential estate.
Developer Nols Kotze has caused outrage elsewhere with a housing development that is believed to be threatening the rare black eagles and endangered orchids in the vicinity of Roodepoort's Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens.
Now Metro has established that he plans to buy and develop 750ha of farmland on which the source of the Magalies River is situated.
The source, called Maloney's Eye, pumps about 1.7million litres of water an hour through the dolomitic hills.
Kotze is embroiled in a High Court battle over his company's development about 300m from the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens called Sugarbush Estate.
The Black Eagle Project Roodekrans, a community organisation that aims to protect the habitat of the gardens' rare black eagles, went to court to stop that development.
It has applied for Kotze's application to be reviewed after the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment gave the five-phase luxury estate its approval.
The group says that vibrations and noise from the building of the estate, as well as the resultant reduction of the number of animals on which the birds prey, will chase away the eagles, which have been there for decades.
Other endangered species like the rock scorpion will also leave the area.
But Kotze said his company had followed correct procedure when applying for permission to develop the land near the botanical gardens, and he had begun the first two phases after getting the green light.
"We have not commenced phases three, four and five. We are waiting for the court's decision on the review application," he said.
But when approached for comment on Friday, Kotze refused to confirm whether he planned to develop the land around Maloney's Eye.
"I am not going to comment at all on that. It is none of your concern; it is a private matter," he said.
Locals say any development near Maloney's Eye will pollute the area's groundwater, as well as the breeding ground for the endangered Yellow Fish species.
Furthermore, they claim, it will destroy the character of a historically significant area #65533; soon to be proclaimed a national heritage site #65533; that was once home to historical figures like Anglo- Boer War general Koos de la Rey and David Pratt, the would-be assassin of Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd.
Kotze responded: "These are ridiculous allegations by people who have hidden agendas."
He referred all further questions to his lawyer.
Mabule Mokhine, Joburg branch co-ordinator of the environmental lobby group Earthlife Africa, said property developers often used "tactics" to have their applications passed, and that there were too many loopholes in the system.
"The companies conducting environmental impact assessments, which are required by law, are hired by the developers and are under pressure to issue favourable reports," he said.
Developers also knew there were few nature conservation organisations to oppose them.
Areas surrounding the Cradle of Humankind are among the most sought-after by developers.
Last year, a 170-unit residential development on a farm opposite the one on which Maloney's Eye lies had to be stopped after residents and environmental bodies opposed it.
Mokhine said Maloney's Eye was important because the Gauteng river system was heavily polluted and it was a much-needed source of pure water.
Source: eProp - www.eprop.co.za
Read 0 Comments... >> |
|
Written by Enviroadmin
|
|
Monday, 24 May 2010 23:01 |
Let Your Voice be Heard – Participate
Thursday 7 February 2008
By Cynthia Dreyer
Source: http://www.madibengpulse.co.za/?Task=system&CategoryID=20600&HeadingText=Environment#yourwaterrights
Rick van Rossum, Chairman of the Hartbeespoort Water Action Group (HWAG) is warning residents, marina’s, boating clubs and residents of Hartbeespoort Dam not to rely on perceived rights embedded in title deeds, or what may be considered reasonable use of the water, “It may just not turn out the way you expect, the new Water Act could take precedence,” he told MadibengPulse today.
A series of discussions are taking place at present to discuss the future management of the Dam and interested parties are urged to take part to ensure that their interests are protected. Sadly, according to Mr van Rossum, that is sorely lacking at this stage.
Public participation in the activities of the Metsiane (Our Water) project to restore the acceptable levels of algae is vital, he said. “It’s disappointing that so few members of the boating public and commerce participate in the Resources Management Plan of the Hartbeespoort Dam Remediation Program. They are busy recording and allocating resources and facilities on and around the Dam, but there’s no one from the sailing community and boating and marine clubs. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself without a mooring or access by not participating and making your voice heard.”
The algae problem has not gone away
“It may seem as if we in the RMP and HWAG are doing nothing, and with the rainy weather over the past months, people might have the perception that the algae problem has gone away, but the process of remediation has been going on for some months now. And last Thursday, 31 January, we had a meeting the whole day of some world experts and scientists all giving their input as to what the best way forward is. We’ve already got algae gathering booms across the water at the Dam wall, and the next ones will shortly be installed at the Crocodile and Magalies ends. We’re finally on our way to get our dam back to where it belongs”
Mrs Cherry Grobler, a reader, wrote to tell us that the fishing nets that are installed nightly to harvest the undesirable barbell and carp, leaving the desirable, algae eating fish such as the Tilapia, got off to a bad start at Kommandonek when the nets were damaged on the first night by boats!
Skippers are warned to look out for these nets, which are installed at night and lifted in the morning. More visible buoys are to be installed as well, she said. Mrs Grobler reminds all boating enthusiasts that it is forbidden to boat after sunset, so those found doing so, are open to prosecution. The Water Wing of the SAPS will be patrolling and also warning people away from the nets.
Shoreline vegetation
Other water remediating activities on the Dam will also be more visible on the Dam during the coming months, says Rick van Rossum, “with operations on shoreline vegetation rehabilitation, floating “islands” of plantings (under which the plankton eating tilapia can safely hide and breed), algae and hyacinth removal, fish population manipulation, extensive monitoring of conditions, pre impoundment studies, sediment analysis and dredging and rehabilitation and construction of wetlands in the catchment basin.”
And all this certainly doesn’t come cheaply! Van Rossum estimates that the final figure will amount to eight figures. And all of us know that the longer the project is delayed, the more expensive it becomes! The public is also being asked to take care not to hamper these operations not to damage equipment or interfere. “The steel cables under the water could also damage boats and cause accidents,” he said.
Barge and pump at the Damwall
But what about the existing barge and pump at the Dam Wall? Van Rossum says that the pumping system is not effective enough, it is too slow, and cannot cope. There is a contractor at present who is using the algae pumped out to make high quality compost using earthworms.
But Mrs San Fourie, secretary of the Hartbeespoort Boat Club has already reported blue algae at the club. This foul smelling phenomenon is also plaguing residents at the K’shane Development. Mr van Rossum said: “The only short term solution which lasts for about two weeks, is to spray it with a strong hose, such as a fire hose. We are testing a new vacuum pump for algae and hyacinths which is used at the coast to suck up oil spills, it will be arriving from Durban shortly. We hope that this will be a solution. Also, I saw a demonstration of a pump at Roodeplaat Dam which gobbles up water hyacinth, shreds it and then pumps it into floating bins which are towed behind.” He added that the this pump still needs extensive improvement before being reliable enough for use at Hartbeespoort Dam.
The alternative, that of a laissez faire attitude is too ghastly to contemplate.
“Without this program to address the present problems, the Dam will become a cesspool and result in a disastrous drop in property values and our lifestyle,” Mr van Rossum told MadibengPulse.
Note: For further information or input you are invited to email the chairman of HWAG: Mr Rick van Rossum:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Source: http://www.madibengpulse.co.za/?Task=system&CategoryID=20600&HeadingText=Environment#yourwaterrights
Read 0 Comments... >> |
|
Written by Enviroadmin
|
|
Monday, 24 May 2010 23:00 |
The site is http://savehuddlepark.googlepages.com and the Save Huddle Park group on facebook also has this as an event.
Where : Huddle Park, Club St, Sandringham area
When: Saturday 24th November 2007
From: 11am to 11pm
Entry: R20 recommended donation.
Description:
Lets have a big day of braais, music, drinking and PROTEST this nonsense idea that Huddle Park should become offices, shops and cr@ppy clusters. We want a different future!
Bring whatever you want for a day of fun in the park. Frisbees, friends, fireflies and foxes! Braais, blankets, bedlam and boomboxes!
Come to have a good day out and sign our petitions. Come for fun and leave having supported our leaflet fund.
Bands and banditos* will be on hand for merriment (*this event may contain no banditos) so there's a R20 entrance recommended donation towards our leaflet fund for Save Huddle Park!
Grab everyone you can and get down to the park for a unique day out. Wanna volunteer? Just email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, a volunteer drinks fund may be available.
Read 1 Comments... >> |
|
Written by Enviroadmin
|
|
Monday, 24 May 2010 22:59 |
Okay so we ALL drive cars and we ALL know just how bad traffic is already around Johannesburg and Pretoria, so when you see the Government Notices issued by SANRAL you will be sure to say they have got rocks in their heads. This really does affect everyone and it is your civil duty to comment on these “proposed” toll roads before the 14th of November 2007 in writing. Please note that I have detailed below each separate project, it’s affected highway and off-ramps and have included the relevant fax and contact details for each separate project as they do differ (probably in order to confuse the public).
It is of utmost importance that you print the attached notices which show in detail all the projects with their maps but you can also refer to the list summarised list below for ease. If South African’s are going to roll over on command like little sheep then you can expect this to go ahead along with many other new plans the government has for getting YOUR money from YOU and making YOUR life a misery at the same time. Do not expect that someone else is going to write in so it just excuses you, it does not, do not expect others to do everything on your behalf. Forward this web site link to everyone you know and make time to send in your comments regarding these projects.
Please Note: After speaking with SANRAL they have clarified to me that these are not physical toll booths they are called Gantry's and are actually concrete structures, much like billboards, which cross over the highways. Motorists are then required to have an electronic disc which is paid for in advance. Each time you pass under one of these gantry's it is electronically recorded against your account. While this slightly clears up the issue of traffic chaos (except during construction) it still does not clear up the issue of costs to motorists, information which I am still trying to obtain from SANRAL. On a drive between Germiston and Pretoria you would pass through 10+ Gantry's. I am still trying to get estimated costs from SANRAL. The entire project however is estimated at R22 Billion.
Download the official government notices here (Adobe Acrobat PDF format)
PROJECT 1: N1 Between Golden Highway and Midrand (Government Notice 962 of Gazette 30372)
Off-ramps where toll gantry’s will be situated:
Jukskei (Between Allandale and Buccleuch)
Woodmead (Between Buccleuch and Rivionia Road)
Main Road (Between Rivonia Road and William Nicol)
Curzon Road (Between William Nicol and Hans Strydom)
Hans Strydom (Between Hans Strydom and Beyers Naude)
9th Avenue (Between Beyers Naude and 14th Avenue)
Gordon Road (Between Gordon Road and Maraisburg)
New Canada (Between Maraisburg and Soweto Interchange)
Rand Show (Between Soweto Interchange and Rand Show Interchange)
Diepkloof (Between Diepkloof Interchange and Golden Highway)
Comments to be directed to:
The Regional Manager: Northern Region
South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)
POSTNET SUITE 110
PRIVATE BAG X19
MENLO PARK
0102
FAX: 086-647-0694
PROJECT 2: N1 Between Midrand and Proefplaas (Government Notice 963 of Gazette 30372)
Off-ramps where toll gantry’s will be situated:
New Road (Between New Road and Olifantsfontein)
SamRand (Between Olifantsfontein and SamRand)
Nellmapius (Between Rooihuiskraal and Brakfontein Interchange)
Technopark (Between Brakfontein and John Vorster)
Airforce Base (Between Botha Ave and Flying Saucer Interchange)
Waterkloof (Between Flying Saucer Interchange and Rigel Avenue Interchange)
Kings Highway (Between Lynwood Rd and N4 Interchange)
Comments to be directed to:
The Regional Manager: Northern Region
South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)
POSTNET SUITE 129
PRIVATE BAG X19
MENLO PARK
0102
FAX: 086-647-0695
PROJECT 3: N4 Between Proefplaas and Swartkoppies (Government Notice 964 of Gazette 30372)
Off-ramps where toll gantry’s will be situated:
Botanical Gardens (Between Proefplaas Interchange and Val de Grace Interchange)
Equestria (Between Simon Vermooten and Swartkoppies Interchange)
Comments to be directed to:
The Regional Manager: Northern Region
South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)
POSTNET SUITE 108
PRIVATE BAG X19
MENLO PARK
0102
FAX: 086-647-0699
PROJECT 4: N3 Between Heidelberg and Buccleuch (Government Notice 965 of Gazette 30372)
Off-ramps where toll gantry’s will be situated:
Buccleuch (Between Buccleuch Interchange and Marlboro Drive)
London Road (Between Marlboro Drive and London Road)
Modderfontein Road (Between Modderfontein Interchange and Linksfield Road)
Linksfield (Between Linksfield Road and Gilooly’s Interchange)
Kloof (Between Kloof Road and Geldenhuys Interchange)
Geldenhuys Interchange (Between Geldenhuys Interchange and Rand Airport Interchange)
Rand Airport Interchange (Between Geldenhuys Interchange and Rand Airport Interchange)
Heidelberg Road (Between Grey Avenue and Heidelberg Road)
Comments to be directed to:
The Regional Manager: Northern Region
South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)
POSTNET SUITE 146
PRIVATE BAG X19
MENLO PARK
0102
FAX: 086-647-0696
PROJECT 5: N12 Between Gilooly’s and Gauteng/Mpumalanga Provincial Border (Government Notice 966 of Gazette 30372)
Off-ramps where toll gantry’s will be situated:
Bedfordview (Between Gilooly’s Interchange and R24 Interchange)
Rietfontein (Between Jet Park Interchange and Rietfontein Interchange)
Atlas Road (Between Rondebult Interchange and Atlas Road)
Tom Jones (Between Atlas Road and Tom Jones)
Comments to be directed to:
The Regional Manager: Northern Region
South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)
POSTNET SUITE 107
PRIVATE BAG X19
MENLO PARK
0102
FAX: 086-647-0698
PROJECT 6: N12 Between Diepkloof and Elands Interchange (Government Notice 967 of Gazette 30372)
Off-ramps where toll gantry’s will be situated:
Ridgeway (Between Diepkloof Interchange and Ridgeway Interchange)
Kliprivier (Between Klip Rivier Bridge and Comaro)
Comaro (Between Comaro and Reading Interchange)
Reading (Between Reading Interchange and Voortrekker Interchange)
Comments to be directed to:
The Regional Manager: Northern Region
South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)
POSTNET SUITE 139
PRIVATE BAG X19
MENLO PARK
0102
FAX: 086-647-0697
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT SANRAL NORTHERN REGION ON:
TEL: 012 426 6200
FAX: 012 348 0883
EMAIL:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Public Announcement
BATHO PELE - BEAT THE DRUM FOR SERVICE DELIVERY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Read 14 Comments... >> |
|
|
Written by Enviroadmin
|
|
Monday, 24 May 2010 22:59 |
Thursday 5 July 2007
By Cynthia Dreyer
At last it seems that the watchdog for the Magaliesberg will have some teeth!
Mr. Rick van Rossum of the Hartbeespoortdam Water Action Group (HWAG) has reported on the first Workshop held to tackle the question of how to formulate an enforceable structure to protect the Magaliesberg Mountains and its environment.
Sponsored by the North West Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, (NWDACE) and with the help of the Finnish government, the workshop was held in Rustenburg on June 19. It’s a joint effort by the Department, and the North West University, and its purpose is to create an Environment Management Framework for the Magaliesberg Protected Environment (MPE) to prevent the onslaught of inappropriate commercial development of this important heritage site.
HWAG was invited to participate in the workshop, and together with other bodies including the Hartbeespoort Environment and Heritage Association, the Mountain Club and world-renowned expert and author on the Magaliesberg, Vincent Carruthers, gave valuable inputs.
Why Protect the Magaliesberg?
Did you know that the Magaliesberg are thousands of millions of years old, and a hundred times older than Everest? But this amazing geological, archaeological and natural wonder is vulnerable to pressures from industrialists, developers, engineers and bureaucrats which threaten its fragile ecology.
The workshop was chaired by Tharina Boshoff of the NWDACE and a full team of experts, and the meeting divided into two groups with one deliberating on the various impacts on and importance of the bio diversity of the environment on the one hand, and the other group discussing the general impact of development on this national heritage of ours which is “of extreme importance to the country and to the world.”
An interim document incorporating suggestions from the floor will soon be available on the website of the North West Government. and the next Workshop session will be held at the end of July.
But you, too, can participate with your input: Contact:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
But then this extract from the foreword by James Clarke to Vincent Carruthers’ book, “The Magaliesberg” first published in 1990 says it all:
“It is an interesting facet of human behaviour that it was to the mountains we used to flee when there was enough trouble and, today, it is to the mountains we retreat from the tensions we have created in the valleys…”Clarke also writes: “Thirty years ago when I was new in South Africa and “stuck” in a Hillbrow flat for a year, I looked out over the fifth floor balcony after a cleansing Highveld storm and saw the Magaliesberg, 60 km away, so magnified it looked much closer. I could see every crag. I could even see individual trees.
“As soon as I owned a car I would go out to the mountains before dawn every Sunday and climb, usually alone, and sit on the top and watch the Cape vultures and the peregrines, the busy plain to the north and the ancient granite country to the south.”
A place of wilderness
But perhaps the last word should go to Vincent Carruthers himself in describing the Magaliesberg:
“A place of wilderness and war,
A mountain chain linking the magnificence of nature
with the turbulent history of our society.”
Source: http://www.madibengpulse.co.za/?Task=system&CategoryID=20600&HeadingText=Environment#magaliesberg
Read 0 Comments... >> |
|
Written by Enviroadmin
|
|
Monday, 24 May 2010 22:58 |
Hartbeespoort Dam Water Situation
“There’s Trouble In Paradise” – Hwag chairman
13 August 2007
By Dolf Dreyer
During the past four days MadibengPulse received two updates from the chairman of Hwag on the subject of the state of Hartbeespoortdam. The main points of the updates are summarised below:
* Hartbeespoort received unprecedented publicity about the sewage spill;
* Suggestions to make the intake of Dam water to the Karel Street purification works safe;
* Waste from the purification plant is discharged next to the inlet pipe for water purification’
* These are trying times for those trying to sell their properties;
* The Department of Water Affairs made R30 million available to solve the problem and there’s more to come;
* Work will start next Monday on deepening the purification plant’s inlet pipe;
* The public should be warned of sewage spillages immediately;
* Standby equipment for sewage disposal should be acquired immediately;
Mr Rick van Rossum wrote as follows:
Friday 10 th August 2007
Unprecedented publicity
“As you might imagine, there is trouble in Paradise. We have been approached for comment by the national as well as the local media on the current sewage crisis. These included the SABC, RSG, Radio Pretoria, 702, Highveld and the local press alike.
“The SABC asked to be shown the veldt in Melodie where one of about 8 man holes had "Popped" and fountains of raw sewage had been released into the rivulet and flowing directly into the dam. The scene was not pretty and had a foul smell.
Evidence of a very recent flow was recorded for the national news and after more than 2 hours of discussions and filming, about a minute of it got its way onto the SABC 2 Nuus last night, following a documentary of a very similar incident at Crissiesmeer.
“We realise that our response to the media can have a large if not inappropriate effect on our community both for the ultimate good but also the immediate negative financial impact it can have.
“Of course not all publicised information originates from HWAG as more and more members of the public have come to the fore, including criminal charges being laid with the SAPS.
The situation of the water intake to the purification plant
“We wish to clarify and expand on the problems surrounding the potable water intake point, located on the shore between the Transvaal Yacht Club and the Zoo. We need to emphasise that we have no reason to believe that either of these operations are, or have, discharged any “sewage” into the environment and did not suggest that.
“We have been advised on good authority that the zoo is inspected on a regular basis and that there is no evidence of “any effluent water” reaching the Dam. Although we take this on face value, we believe "effluent water" does reach the dam, not necessarily from a sewage source.
“Contamination of a potable water source can come from many sources such as cleaning chemicals, solvents and other chemicals used by commercial operations. The man holes and pumps located on the shore in front of the TYC are not their responsibility but as with all sewage and effluent, once deposited into the sewage collection system, becomes the sole responsibility of the local authority.
“It is a fact that both these manholes and those at the commercial complex on the opposite side of Scott Street, overflow on occasion and that raw sewage will then run across the road into the dam, right next to the water intake point. A visual inspection of this site shows a particularly polluted environment, with often-seen dead birds and fish, possibly because large trees overhang the intake point.
“It is however not the fault of those allowing legitimate effluent reaching the Dam but it's the positioning of the water suction point that is the reason why excessive pollution could reach the purification works.
“It must be moved to limit the impact of this as well as other pollutants coming down the rivers in the top layer of water, which includes the highly phosphate-charged Crocodile River.
Waste from purification plant is discharged next to the intake pipe
“Part of the purification process the separating off of algae and other impurities and pollutants at the purification site. We asked where this effluent was discharged. We were told that a pipe ran down together with the intake pipe coming up and that this appreciable quantity of effluent was discharged in the immediate area next to the suction point.
“We suggested that this should possibly be dumped straight into the sewage system for disposal. However the already overloaded system would probably not be able to process it, resulting in even more overflows.
“We believe that it is part of our duty as a community NGO to investigate the problems surrounding the water, both in and coming out of the Dam, as well as to report any serious situations to the authorities and to warn the public should this be necessary. It is not our intention to exacerbate the situation but every now and then a few eggs will get broken trying to make omelettes.
Trying times for those trying to sell their properties
“These are trying times for those trying to make a living or selling their properties but then its maybe a good time to climb in and buy if you have the kahoenas.
The Department of Water Affairs made R30 million available and there’s more to come
“You will recall the recent uproar when the algae accumulated at the wall was slow in being removed, we believe that the outcry from the public and organisations such as Hwag contributed to the DG of the Department of Water Affairs visiting the site and making some R30 million available for immediate action and we have heard that much more is becoming available to fund the program to once-and-for-all remedy the unacceptable dumping of phosphates into our Dam.
Deepening of intake pipes will start next Monday
“This not a mere mirage but is actually happening as we speak. Our pressure on the local authorities to get the additional new sewage works into operation is now a reality after a year or more of inactivity. The issues around the water intake being lowered and moved away from the shore, as proposed by HWAG, has now been scheduled for the 20th of this month.
“The reasons for the extended spillage at Melodie and Ifafi are not entirely clear. It took a week to get pumps back into operation and a few more days to get things to settle down. The system has provision for a back-up pump but reports indicate that this pump was not operational, hence the delay.
“Our site visit yesterday (Thursday 9 August) showed large areas of veldt covered in wet as well as dried sewage and its associated debris. Fishermen are still fishing in the area within sight of the overflowing manholes. The water in the rivulet has this special luminous green appearance with a distinct sewage smell.
The public should be warned of spillages immediately
“Youngsters on quad-bikes were racing through the water, spraying it all around. People walking were inquisitive and the fish are still being cleaned in the water and eaten by unsuspecting hungry people.
“We feel it is the duty of the authorities to make the public aware of any sewage spills into the environment and efforts should be made to warn the public and prohibit access to the fouled areas. Guards should patrol and signs erected until it is safe to re- enter the areas affected.
“There is absolutely no point in not communicating with the public as soon as dangerous conditions come to being. These occurrences should not be discovered by accident but brought to attention immediately they present themselves.
“The point is, accidents or occurrences will happen but when it becomes a regular occurrence, then contingency plans must be made. Besides ensuring that back-up pumps are operational, security must be upgraded to avoid the frequent theft of cabling.
Standby equipment should be acquired immediately
“Standby generators must be installed at strategic positions and be run to ensure functionality. The thought that sewage must be allowed to be dumped into rivers and dam must be completely removed from the books.
“Holding dams of sufficient capacity to temporary store spillages for further processing should be made at all the lowest man holes subject to overflowing. We simply must not allow any free-flowing sewage reaching the dam, with all its health implications. We're not the experts but those who are should make a professional review to bullet-proof the system.
“With the enormous expansion of the residential community, the demands on both sewage disposal and potable water supply, is not being coped with and will result in a meltdown of services of unprecedented proportions. There is currently no evidence that the severe water shortages of last year will not again come back to haunt us, nothing substantial has changed to avoid this. We know that a Rand Water Board line will be installed but it will not be operational before 2008.
- Rick van Rossum - Hwag
Source: http://www.madibengpulse.co.za/?Task=system&CategoryID=20600&HeadingText=Environment#rossum
Read 0 Comments... >> |
|
Written by Enviroadmin
|
|
Monday, 24 May 2010 22:57 |
Johannesburg, South Africa
10 August 2006 06:09
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=280433&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/
The second phase of construction on the Gautrain will proceed in Johannesburg after judgment was reserved in a recent court application to stop work for an environmental impact report, the rail construction company said on Thursday.
"The second stage will see the removal of trees along various roads in and around the Rosebank and Sandton area to enable the construction teams to commence with road upgrades," said Barbara Jensen, spokesperson for Gautrain Rapid Rail Link Project.
She said the removal of trees was guided by an environmental management plan.
"For every three [trees] that are removed as part of the project, they will be salvaged and relocated [planted in another area], or if they can't be salvaged, be replaced [at they spot they were removed] when construction is done."
Last week, Pretoria residents applied to the Pretoria High court to halt construction immediately for an environmental impact report. The residents claimed harm would be done to the environment.
Judgment was reserved on Friday, with an eight-week deliberation expected before the three judges on the bench -- headed by Judge President Bernard Ngoepe -- announce their decision.
The residents argued that neither the environment provincial minister nor the head of the Gauteng agriculture, conservation and environment department had the right, under the Environment Conservation Act, to approve the Gautrain.
The advocate for the residents, Fiona Southwood, also said the minister might have been biased because Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa championed the project.
Gilbert Marcus SC argued on behalf of the minister and department said it was unlikely that the minister would not approve the project. -- Sapa
Johannesburg, South Africa
10 August 2006 06:09
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=280433&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/
Read 0 Comments... >> |
|
Written by Enviroadmin
|
|
Monday, 24 May 2010 22:56 |
I have always wondered about the implementation of Acts, in particular the National Environmental Managment Act. In particular the principles of this Act, such as:
2) Environmental management must place people and their needs at the forefront of its concern, and serve their physical, psychological, developmental, cultural and social interests equitably.
3) Development must be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.
4) a) Sustainable development requires the consideration of all relevant factors including the following:
i) That the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity are avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied;
ii) that pollution and degradation of the environment are avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied;
iii) that the disturbance of landscapes and sites that constitute the nation's cultural heritage is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, is minimised and remedied;
iv) that waste is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, minimised and re-used or recycled where possible and otherwise disposed of in a responsible manner;
v) that the use and exploitation of non-renewable natural resources is responsible and equitable, and takes into account the consequences of the depletion of the resource;
vi) that the development, use and exploitation of renewable resources and the ecosystems of which they are part do not exceed the level beyond which their integrity is jeopardised;
vii) that a risk-averse and cautious approach is applied, which takes into account the limits of current knowledge about the consequences of decisions and actions; and
viii) that negative impacts on the environment and on people's environmental rights be anticipated and prevented, and where they cannot be altogether prevented, are minimised and remedied.
The reason why this interest me is that, I own a large piece of property in Gauteng, and would like to develop the property into something better. However, as this area falls outside the urban edge, and as the Environmental Management Framework requires that the area (where the farm is situated) remains agriculture, I am effectively prevented from doing soby the people from GDACE.
But I need to explain the current use, and the proposed use.
Current use and potential:
The farm is 278 hectares, however, due to being situated on quartzite, a river and access, less than 180 hectares can be used for any agriculture.
Maize used to be the primary crop, however, theft in the last few years has resulted in the return from the land becoming less and less, up to the point were the harvest value were actually less than the input costs.
For the last 4 years the crops were mainly soja beans and sorghum. Return from soja ranges between 300 kg (bad year) and 2,600 kg (good year) per hectare. Return from sorghum ranges between 1,000 kg (bad year) and 5,000 kg (good year) per hectare. Although profit (after inset cost) may be as high as R310,000 for the farm, due to losses due to bad years, resulted in a profit of just over R350,000 over four years (less than R90,000 per year). Yes, farming is risky.
During the plouging months the small holdings complain of dust issues, illegal squaters have to be searched for and removed, and the farm is currently being used as an illegal dumping site. The farm cannot be fenced, as the fence is stolen within a week after being erected.
We therefore propose to develop the farm.
Proposed development
We propose to do an large agricultural estate, with approximately 600 - 700 stands. The farm is to be divided into three parts, namely:
- a 85 hectare conservation area,
- a 78 hectare agricultural area (tunnels and greenhouses),
- a 115 hectare agricultural estate.
The estate will only be constructed on the area that has already been disturbed. This estate is to have almost 50 hectares of parks, where various fruit orchards will be planted. Profits from the residential development will be used to improve the remainder of the farm so that a more high quality and profitable product can be cultivated on those areas.
The reason for the 600 - 700 stands is to create our own market. Produce cultivated on the farm will be for the use of the residents of the estate.
Now, environmental affairs want 1 hectare plots, we want 6 units per hectare ... why?
Economics. The proposed design is ecological, social and economically sustainable and more beneficial than the current situation.
Yet, it seems that this EIA application is going to be a fight, as, Environmental Affairs do not want to allow any Residential Development in that area, even though:
- Agricultural activities will continue, produce food of a higher value (nutritional and monetary) that the current situation
- The development will ensure that the sensitive and undisturbed areas will be conserved permanently
- The development will stop the dust created annually
- The development will create almost 160 new permanent jobs (up from the current 3)
So, looking at Chapter 2 of NEMA ... how are these principles implemented ? GDACE is seems set to rather follow a framework than to apply their minds or use their own Act ...
Read 0 Comments... >> |
|
Written by Enviroadmin
|
|
Monday, 24 May 2010 22:55 |
Shannon Arvizu
17 October 2006 08:59
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=286821&area=/insight/monitor/
Among the dusty roads and rusted dwellings of Gauteng townships, a quiet revolution is sprouting in the soil of permaculture gardens. From Tembisa to Soshanguve, local residents are learning to grow their own greens, for their sustenance and to generate income. It may seem like simple farming, but it is a form of “green empowerment” that has widespread potential for sustainable development in South Africa.
Permaculture is an integrated design system for food production and holistic living that combines knowledge from indigenous agriculture and modern ecology.
Permaculture organisations offer specific strategies to create sustainable living conditions in poor areas. Food and Trees for Africa provides training and support to school garden projects. It also runs Eduplant, a national permaculture competition for schools, in which more than 300 schools participated this winter to show off their food gardens. Many schools supplement the dietary needs of vulnerable children with locally grown fruit and vegetables and some generate revenue by selling produce to the local community. In addition to creating a national culture of environmental awareness, scholars are given skills to help them become self-sufficient.
“Many of our students cannot find employment once they are outside the school. That is why it is necessary for our students to learn to farm,” says Jacob Sesele, a teacher at the Zodwa Special School outside Pretoria.
The permaculture approach includes renewable energy use and natural building techniques as well, but these aspects have not yet been implemented on a large scale.
Some permaculture organisations specialise in the use of nutritional and herbal supplementation strategies for HIV/Aids-infected people. Their aim is not to replace antiretroviral medicine with nutrition, but to teach those living with HIV/Aids to provide their own food and grow immune-boosting indigenous herbs.
“For people living with HIV and people who already have Aids, healthy nutrition helps to improve the response to ARVs and other treatment programmes,” writes Thaba Xingwana, the author of Taste for Life. This book is printed and distributed for free by permaculture organisation Medicinal and Edible Gardens Association.
Permaculture grassroots organisations are found in several parts of Africa, most notably in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana. The projects implemented by these types of organisations show exceptional promise for alleviating poverty and environmental pollution, as well as creating profit-generating enterprises.
As a sustainable development social movement, however, they are just starting to gain momentum. “People appreciate learning permaculture methods. We take them back to our roots. We shift to traditional applications,” says Joe Matimba, a permaculture project manager.
Shannon Arvizu is a graduate researcher in sociology from Columbia University
Shannon Arvizu
17 October 2006 08:59
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=286821&area=/insight/monitor/
Read 0 Comments... >> |
|
