Cape Town – The Green Scorpions have found that the City has contravened the National Environmental Management Act for its failure to provide adequate ablution facilities, stormwater and solid waste management at an informal settlement which borders Masiphumelele, near Kommetjie.
The City has been told to “undertake a thorough and effective clean-up, remove stock piles of refuse and carry out maintenance of toilets, washing facilities, canals and other wastewater infrastructure” by the Green Scorpions at the Wetland informal settlement.
Masiphumelele residents greeted the announcement of the findings as a victory.
Following the release of the report, officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs and the city met on January 23 to discuss the way forward, said Rudolf van Jaarsveldt, the spokesperson at the province’s directorate for strategic and operational support at the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.
The contraventions constitute a significant danger to the health and well-being of Masiphumelele residents, according to the report.
The directive ordered a progress report to be submitted within 14 days of its issue.
Community activist Rosemary Milbank said she complained for months to have the provincial government go to Masiphumelele for an inspection.
“They were all shocked at what they saw. This is not about rubbish in the streets of Masiphumelele, but disgusting living conditions in the area.”
Community leader Tshepo Moletsanesaid: “We have been waiting for this for a very long time."
Mayco member for informal settlements Xanthea Limberg said the city would respond to the provincial government.