Air pollution monitor launched

2003-11-10 12:44

Cape Town - An air pollution monitoring facility to identify emissions from industries in the Bellville South region of the Cape Town metropole was opened by Deputy Environment Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi on Friday.

Money for the monitoring equipment, housed in a caravan, was raised by industries in the area, but the instruments will be managed and maintained by local government, her ministry said in a statement.

"The emissions and data are captured on a 24-hour basis, throughout the whole year, and are presented to interested and affected parties and the various stakeholders.

"It is also available daily on the City of Cape Town's website; this is crucial for ensuring that industry is accountable for their emissions status."

In a speech prepared for delivery at the opening, Mabudafhasi said the pollution data collected would "enable local business to take the necessary steps to manage their emissions within acceptable levels".

"The dedication of all stakeholders in the Bellville South area to finding long-term sustainable solutions to the problems of air pollution must be lauded," she said.

- SAPA