Polluters must be held accountable

POLLUTION is a major problem affecting the environment, especially water resources, and polluters can no longer be allowed to continue on this destructive path.

South Africa is a dry and waterscarce country and cannot afford such continuous pollution of its water resources. Polluters must be exposed – they must be named and shamed.

Pollution poses a serious threat to water security. This calls for everyone to play a role in preventing the pollution of our water resources and to contribute towards water security for current and future generations.

The pollution of water resources negatively affects the health and socio-economic development of communities. Pollution leads to water quality challenges, including waterborne diseases, poor quality or lost crops, the death of animals and aquatic species, and environmental degradation.

The major challenge currently facing South Africa is sewage spillages, which contaminate the country’s water resources. This is the result of blocked sewer pipes and dysfunctional waste water treatment plants.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is pushing hard to enforce compliance by issuing notices, directives and opening criminal cases against those who pollute water resources.

Recent court judgments against municipalities that contribute to the pollution of water resources reaffirm the regulatory role of the department. All water users need to comply with the prescripts of the National Water Act to help reduce the challenges of pollution. These judgments show that pollution of water resources will not be tolerated. THEMBA KHOZA | Department of Water and Sanitation