Over R30 million for new water storage and treatment plant for La Misère
The residents of La Misère and nearby areas affected by the recent water pollution will benefit from new water storage and treatment facilities now that the government of Abu Dhabi has agreed to replace the affected system at a cost of over R30 million.
Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Transport Joel Morgan made the announcement during the weekend.
Mr Morgan said details of the new investment are being finalised and will be concluded in the coming months.
Meanwhile Mr Morgan has also announced that the government, through the newly set up technical committee to monitor the pollution incident, will review all site management procedures in place to ensure similar incidents do not happen again.
Mr Morgan also said the issue of access to all construction sites by government and other concerned agency officials has been clarified.
“Our officials need to have access to these sites to ensure our people and our environment are protected and the government has been very firm on that issue,” said Mr Morgan.
Between now and the end of March the workers will continue to live at La Misère where a new sewerage treatment facility is being put in place and is expected to be operational soon.
As for the site itself, it is being closely monitored on a daily basis by all concerned agencies and all measures are being taken to ensure no pollution reoccurs.
Meanwhile Mr Morgan has also announced that the contractor has agreed to pay the maximum fine of R250,000 prescribed by our environment protection laws for pollution offences. He said a total of R750, 000 will be paid by the contractor for three different offences.
On the issue of compensation for affected residents, Mr Morgan said the process is well underway.
Compensation claims are still being accepted and a form to be filled by claimants is being finalised with the residents’ committee and soon the residents will be called to make the necessary formalities.
Source: NATION 3-1-10