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I wish to thank honourable members for setting aside time to exercise their oversight role over the department. We wish to join environmentalists, conservationists and all other stakeholders who are emphasizing the importance of clean air during this period. 

The devastating COVID-19 pandemic is calling upon all of us to really look at how we could sustain a new agenda on Climate Change. There are debates taking place in various platforms regarding air pollution and causes of COVID-19.

There is a research which has shown that long term exposure to pollutants such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide can reduce lung function and cause respiratory illness. 

These pollutants have also been shown to cause a persistent inflammatory response even in the relatively young and to increase the risk of infection by viruses that target the respiratory tract.

I am highlight these issues to contextualize the importance of this Portfolio Committee in relation to the fight against COVID-19.

I have discussed these issues with the department. And on several occasions, I have stated to officials that Environmental Affairs needs to be actively involved in all efforts aimed at minimizing risks associated with air-pollution.

As we move forward, our efforts will focus on ensuring that the private sector and all spheres of government commit and work together to improve air quality. 

We are stepping up efforts aimed at cutting emissions and cleaning up the air for communities across the province. With many companies expected to get back to business, we must expect an increase in quality pollution.

We recall during the first weeks of lockdown that there was tranquillity.

Many companies stopped production;

The transport system around the world came to a grinding halt;

Air and automobile travel was dramatically reduced.

How do these changes impact the quality of the air we breathe, and, if maintained, how might that affect our overall health and wellbeing? 

What lessons can we learn from this unique time period that will help us to better manage air pollution once traditional travel and company production resumes? 

As companies return to full production, air pollution will increase. I wish to report that a comprehensive Air Quality strategy is being developed and completion expected around 30 October. 

This strategy will be implemented across all municipalities. Our long term plan is to ensure that leaders of society, academics, big corporate, elected public representatives and communities adopt a single strategy for implementation to deal with air-pollution.

Critically, as the department we are fully aware that the South Durban basin is heavily air-polluted with many people experiencing respiratory illnesses. It can’t be business as usual.

The department is moving swiftly to fill in critical posts which have hindered much of the work at the Environmental Affairs Department. These include posts such as Air Quality management, Project Officers in the IASP, Climate Change, EIA, Pollution and Waste management inter alia.

Partnership with LovePietermaritzburg – New Englans Landfill Site 

I wish to report that last week we met with lawyers and stakeholders representing a number of communities who are part of Love Pietermaritzburg initiative. We presented our plan aimed at turning around the situation at New England Landfill Site.

We have agreed to work together with representatives of this initiative. They have also offered to share their skills and expertise on the area of waste management.

This meeting was attended by myself, MEC for Finance Ravi Pillay, MEC for Transport and Community Safety and Liaison Bheki Ntuli, Mayor of Umsunduzi Municipality Cllr Mzimkhulu Thebolla and the Technical Team. Other members of the ministerial committee include MEC for COGTA Sipho Hlomuka and uMgungundlovu District Mayor Cllr Thobekile Maphumulo.

A lot of progress has been made regarding turning around the situation. 

More than 30 people have been arrested for living in the landfill site illegally. More investigations are continuing;

The fence has been repaired; 

Water extraction machines have been deployed next to the site; 

The municipality is speeding up the procurement of Yellow Plant to cover and cover and compact waste;

Mayor of Umsunduzi Municipality has met with Pietermaritzburg Business Chambers, Ratepayers Association, SA Human Rights Commission and other stakeholders. 

Regarding Ezemvelo Wildlife, I wish to reiterate once again that despite the major setback on the tourism front caused by COVID-19, our vision remains that of building a strong and sustainable tourism sector that improves the lives of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

I have stated previously that we have resolved to use our entity, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife as part of efforts to attract tourists to the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Issued by The KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism Ans Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube