Sunday, September 2, 2007

Berg River pollution imperils Cape

Cape Town - If pollution of the Berg River, the lifeblood of the Western Cape, was not brought under control, South Africa's fruit, vegetable and wine exports to the EU and the US would be in danger, the Cape Regional Chamber has warned...

Just over two years ago, she said, the EU had warned that the Berg River's pollution levels were between five and 24 times the EU's maximum permitted concentrations for food production.

At the time - August 2005 - business warned that this was tantamount to a "yellow card", which could lead to new trade barriers, she said.

The key was to stop pollutants entering the water. To solve the problem, river banks needed to be cleaned up, better sanitation facilities provided to informal settlements and discharges of effluent by municipalities, wineries, farms and industries controlled...

Notice had been served on Stellenbosch municipality to control effluent at its sewage plant. In addition steps had been taken in conjunction with the department of water affairs and forestry to ensure storm water from informal settlements was channelled to sewage plants...

The main problem in the Western Cape is informal settlements. The influx of people has lead to a massive backlog in provision of housing and basic services. - Business Report

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