Health and well-being assist the city
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
To: All media
Date: 3 September 2007
Health and well-being – assist the city
The health and well-being of mankind is directly influenced and affected by the environment in which we work, live and play.
The City of Johannesburg’s Environmental Health takes the protection, conservation and enhancement of its environment seriously. However, inconsiderate people litter our streets, dump refuse and waste on vacant stands and open spaces and pollute our underground water resources, soil, streams and air.
The monitoring and controlling of illegal activities, pollution and dumping cost the City a great amount of money.
The City of Johannesburg cannot protect, conserve and enhance the environment on its own and therefore requires the assistance and commitment of all stakeholders in combating these crimes.
We therefore want you to inform us of any offenders who commit any of the offences mentioned below:
Littering of pavements, road reserves, roads, parklands, vacant stands and open spaces as well as public and private parking areas.
Illegal dumping of waste, refuse, rubble, etc. on pavements, road reserves, roads, parklands, vacant stands and open spaces. (Mostly arising from neighbouring premises)
Discharging of sewerage, waste water, effluent onto any pavement, road, road reserve, parkland, vacant stand, open space or property or into the stormwater system.
Noise pollution caused by loud music, building activities, legal and illegal business operations, etc.
Illegal land invasions.
Air pollution caused by vehicle emissions and illegal burning of refuse, wastes, etc.
Pollution of dams, rivers, streams and underground water resources.
Soil pollution caused by disused motor oils, grease and other harmful fluids and waste products.
Untidy and neglected properties (including undeveloped land).
Illegal places of care, crèches, food premises, scrapyards, workshops, businesses and associated activities.
Favourable conditions for the breeding of flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes and rodents.
Vandalism of the Council’s sewerage and stormwater systems by depositing solid wastes therein, thereby causing blockages, pollution and damage to the surrounding areas.
Failing to contain and dispose of household and commercial refuse, wastes, etc. to the satisfaction of the City of Johannesburg.
Overcrowding of all residential or other properties.
Please note that admission of guilt fines has been determined for the abovementioned offences and that the zero tolerance principle will apply.(Zero tolerance per definition means that people will be prosecuted without any notice and warning).
In terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996), the Health Act, 1977 (Act No. 63 of 1977) (as amended) and the provisions of applicable Ordinances and By-laws, your rights to a healthy environment are protected. If found guilty by the Courts, the offenders could face stiff fines. By prosecuting offenders, we will ultimately ensure that your rights are protected.
Help us by reporting offenders to the Regional Offices (Contact details attached). You name and particulars will not be disclosed to anybody.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Nkosinathi Nkabinde
Communications Officer
City of Johannesburg Health Department
Telephone: (011) 407 – 6477
Cell: 083 408 7787
E-mail: nkosinathin@joburg.org.za
Website: www.joburg.org.za
