Members Statement delivered by ID Chief Whip and spokesperson on environmental affairs
15-05-2007 This is a copy of the Members Statement delivered by ID Chief Whip and spokesperson on environmental affairs in the House today:
This is a copy of the Members Statement delivered by ID
Chief Whip and spokesperson on environmental affairs in the House
today:
Members Statement
Members Statement
Lance Greyling
The Independent Democrats took Parliament to the people over our
most recent constituency period. One example of where we have made a
difference with an issue close to the hearts of South Africans is the
creosote factory in Mossel Bay.
It was our reputation as a no-nonsense, solutions-driven party that saw a desperate resident of the Rheebok community approach the ID to deal with the wood treating factory. For years this factory has spewed out its dangerous emissions, including arsenic, into the surrounding communities of Tergniet and Rheebok.
Despite numerous complaints to the local and provincial government from as far back as 2002, no action was taken against this company and the residents were left to suffer numerous skin and breathing ailments. The ID immediately called a public meeting of the two communities and we invited a Mr Lushaba from the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to hear the residents concerns. Even though we only gave him a day’s notice, Mr Lushaba flew down from Pretoria and after ascertaining the facts issued a notice of intent to close the factory.
The ID wishes to commend Mr Lushaba for being a role model for all civil servants in responding so quickly to the issues of the community. The ID also wants to warn other polluting companies who dare to breach the law and interfere with people’s constitutional right to a clean environment - we will not hesitate to deal with you.
Released by Lance Greyling - 083 298 8553
It was our reputation as a no-nonsense, solutions-driven party that saw a desperate resident of the Rheebok community approach the ID to deal with the wood treating factory. For years this factory has spewed out its dangerous emissions, including arsenic, into the surrounding communities of Tergniet and Rheebok.
Despite numerous complaints to the local and provincial government from as far back as 2002, no action was taken against this company and the residents were left to suffer numerous skin and breathing ailments. The ID immediately called a public meeting of the two communities and we invited a Mr Lushaba from the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to hear the residents concerns. Even though we only gave him a day’s notice, Mr Lushaba flew down from Pretoria and after ascertaining the facts issued a notice of intent to close the factory.
The ID wishes to commend Mr Lushaba for being a role model for all civil servants in responding so quickly to the issues of the community. The ID also wants to warn other polluting companies who dare to breach the law and interfere with people’s constitutional right to a clean environment - we will not hesitate to deal with you.
Released by Lance Greyling - 083 298 8553
