Question NW12 to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment:

Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment:

Whether her department is responsible for the general state of the environment in the South Durban area, particularly the area of Merebank where community health remains seriously compromised due to unchecked air, water and soil pollution and toxicity from surrounding industries; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full, relevant details of the urgent remedial steps her department is taking to ensure that polluters pay as the residents of Merebank have the constitutional rights to an environment that is not harmful to their health and/or wellbeing?