DA survey confirms potential health risks due to wind-borne coal dust in uMhlathuze

Issued by Councillor Henning De Wet – DA City of uMhlathuze Councillor
15 Sep 2022 in Press Statements

The DA in the City of uMhlathuze has written to the City Manager, Mr. Nkosenhle Zulu, to bring to his attention the impact of wind-borne coal dust on residents and call for his immediate intervention (view here).

This follows a survey ran by the DA at the City of uMhlathuze, aimed at determining the extent of persistent wind-borne coal dust, in which there was a large uproar from residents raising concern about the potential health implications.

Over 250 residents that participated in this survey, shared their experiences and frustration.

For several years, residential suburbs in Richards Bay, especially Arboretum, have been forced to endure wind-borne coal dust continuously blowing into our community, covering our properties (inside and outside) and in some cases forcing residents to remain indoors to minimise their exposure. This has made living in Richards Bay increasingly worrying, especially relating to health and well-being as the continuous exposure to this dust could potentially cause or contribute to health complications such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pneumoconiosis, and pulmonary fibrosis.

The question remains, is the air we breathe safe?

All responses collected in the survey have also been submitted to the Richards Bay Clean Air Association, which submits exceedance notices, complaints, and monthly reports to the authorities (these include the local and district municipalities along with the Department of Environmental Affairs), for further investigation.

The DA in the City of uMhlathuze will continue to advocate for the establishment of an Air Quality Management By-law, and for By-laws to be enforced in order to prevent the pollution of our natural environment that can lead to illness.