2009-03-09: We all want clean air
WE have the right to unpolluted air. It is in our Country's Constitution and is something that we would all wish for. However, with Johannesburg's unique climate it is not easy to achieve.
The City would like your critical comments on the new proposed bylaws which are intended to ensure air pollution is avoided or minimized and controlled.
We hope these bylaws will assist residents, developers and industry as well as the City's enforcement agencies to help improved air quality, and will benefit all our communities and family members.
The following is a simplified summary of some of the key requirements in the bylaws, but obviously we would like people to read the full draft bylaw and make their comments on the draft.
Limiting fires
Families will be relieved to know that the braai is safe, but it does mean households and industries will not be able to burn materials in the open unless it is for a domestic purpose, as only coal and what is referred to as biomass, which would include wood.
Limiting Air pollution
We must all take reasonable measures to prevent or mitigate air pollution. If we do not do this we will be asked to do so, and if we still do not act reasonably we will be criminally charged. If the Council has to clean up then the costs may be recovered from the responsible person. There is a list of activities that are covered by the bylaws and they mainly cover industrial activity rather than households. If you are involved in any of the activities covered by the bylaw you will a permit and this should be obtained within 90 days of the finalization of the bylaws.
Disel Vehicles
We all want to see a reduction in diesel emissions and vehicles will be stopped to check for what is known as "dark smoke". If the emissions are tested and they are greater than allowed by the bylaws the vehicle may not be allowed to proceed on its journey.
Creating a nuisance
If you create dust or any other substance on your property or one you occupy you will be required to stop doing so.
How can I improve the draft bylaw?
Your local elected representatives in Council would like as many people as possible to comment so the final bylaws reflect improvements or constructive criticisms to ensure the bylaws are realistic, easily understood and enforceable.
Please take this opportunity to read the draft bylaw and copies can be obtained from the following:
Amukelani Masia
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Ground Floor A Block
Metro Centre Building
158 Loveday Street
Braamfontein
Contact Numbers (011) 407 6700 or 073 2531538.
From the 1st March 2009 copies of the draft report can also be obtained from the web site www.joburg.org.za or by emailing public1@joburg.org.za or public2@joburg.org.za. The final date for comment is 31st March 2009.
Who can I contact if I have any technical questions of the draft bylaws?
Written comments must be directed to Dumisani Dube, 3rd floor B Block South Link, 158 Loveday Street, Braamfontein or by e-mail to dumisand@joburg.org.za or fax to 011 403 2476. You can also call her on 011 407 7383 for further information.
What will now happen?
The bylaw will be gazetted, and there will be adverts in newspapers with the dates between which public comment will be received.
There will be follow up press releases to provide information on the public comment received.
A committee of Council will then review the critical and constructive comments and make recommendations for amendments. The draft bylaw will be revised by the Administration and both the final bylaw and all comments received will be presented to Council for a final decision to be made.
Issued by:
Keith Peacock
Director: Stakeholder Relationship Management
The Office of the Speaker
