The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) on October 15 announced a R29-million waste management intervention for the Mangaung metro municipality, in the Free State. 

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Makhotso Sotyu attributed the waste management challenges experienced by the municipality to financial and budgetary constraints and said the intervention was in response to a request for assistance from the municipality.

“The DFFE drafted a comprehensive plan to assist the Mangaung metro to improve waste management in the municipality. The intervention aims to improve landfill operations, revitalise the two buy-back centres and clear illegal dumping and facilitate street cleaning.

“The DFFE is supporting municipalities to include environmental priorities in local economic development plans, disaster management plans and integrated development plans,” she highlighted.

Meanwhile, Sotyu conducted an oversight visit to the Pelonomi ambient air quality monitoring station. Mangaung municipality has three air quality monitoring stations located in Bayswater, Kagisanong Community Centre and Penolomi; however, the stations fell into disrepair years ago.

The DFFE intervened to ensure they are functional. The Penolomi station is now operational and reporting to South African Air Quality Information Systems (SAAQIS). Ambient monitoring stations are established to provide valuable information that informs the development of several tools and strategies to improve the quality of air, she said.

“Information from the Pelonomi station shows that air pollution is a concern in the metro, especially particulate matter pollution. Transport-related emissions are intense in Mangaung, and along the major road networks linking the city to surrounding provinces.”

Particulate matter and sulphur dioxide continue to be the key pollutants of concern across the country, especially in metropolitan municipalities.

“As we continue to monitor the quality of air at Pelonomi station, it is evident that poor air quality challenges are prevalent in the municipality. These disproportionately affect poor communities, and they are the most vulnerable to unhealthy environments,” said Sotyu.