The residents of Aloes area of Port Elizabeth city, South Africa, will no longer live in the vicinity of a hazardous medical waste incinerator and one of country's largest waste sites. For years the incinerator and the waste site were polluting the area, thanks to the apartheid government. "The pollution resulted in many cases of cancer, tuberculosis and asthma, leading to the death of a number of people," said Daniel Pienaar, a resident of the area. But now, the residents, helped by the Human Rights Commission, will be relocated four kilometres away from their present dwelling. The commission will also take action against the country's department of water affairs and forestry for letting the emissions of pollutants to continue for so many years.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.