Polluted Berg River a `threat to health'
2006-12-07
A REPORT on the state of the environment that was tabled at the Drakenstein Council recently states that the highly polluted Berg River is a threat to health, agriculture, the economy and tourism.
The wastewater treatment plants should be upgraded and storm water from informal settlements needs to be diverted into the sewage system.
The impact of industry and agriculture on river water quality must also be investigated.
The Drakenstein Municipality is one of the first medium sized local authorities to undertake a State of the Environment Report (SOER).
It supplies information on what is causing environmental change, what the impacts are for human health and well-being as well as for the natural environment and what we need tot do to improve environmental management.
It is reviewed periodically to ascertain whether issues are receiving attention or if new issues have emerged to be dealt with.
The report does not make recommendations but is a record of the facts, with measurable indicators that can be compared to any available norms and standards.
Other key findings:
* Biodiversity: there is a major loss of biodiversity through inappropriate land use and spread of alien plants. Many key areas are unprotected. Biodiversity data must be incorporated into land use planning decision making.
* Water resources and quality: there is a reduction in water demand and losses, but the demand is still too high.
* Urbanisation: Drakenstein has a housing waiting list of about 21 500 and there is a need for urban renewal. There is also a need for a land audit, plan for emergency housing and an urban edge study.
* Waste services are adequate in most areas, but there are problems in poorer and rural areas. There is very little recycling/re-uses/reduction. There must be improved data collection (weighbridge) and staff must be appointed to reduce illegal dumping.
* Water services: About 97,8% of households have access to piped water. There are problems with sewage capacity and sanitation. Replacement and upgrading of water services infrastructure is required.
* Economy: The local economy grows by about 2,5% per annum with a low growth in employment (1% per annum). Unemployment has increased by 7% from 1996. This must be addressed by the IDP and Local Economic Development.
* Transport: there are backlogs in road maintenance. Public transport needs improving. A public transport strategy must be developed and road safety and maintenance issues addressed.
* Energy: About 3% of houses have no electricity (2001) and electricity networks need upgrading.
* Health: There is a shortage of staff and medication at some clinics, which also need upgrading. There is high incidents of teenage births and sexually transmitted diseases and other problems including single parenthood, substance abuse and domestic violence.
Attention must be given to a food and nutrition programme, as well as lay counsellors and home-based care.
* Safety & security: There is a steady increase in violent and drug-related crime. About 90% of crime is perpetrated by youths. Community Policing Forums and law enforcement officers are essential.
* Education: There is a poor quality of education in poorer communities, which need more Grade R and day care facilities.
* Parks & recreation: There are problems with vandalism and safety in local parks. Security staff should be employed.
* Air quality: There is a need for an emissions inventory and an air quality management plan, as no monitoring takes place.
- Susan Botha
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