Question NW917 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs
10 April 2018 - NW917
Xalisa, Mr Z R to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1)Whether she has been informed that the Letaba Hospital in Tzaneen, Limpopo, disposes of its toxic waste in the Limpopo River; if so, (a) on what legal and administrative provisions does the hospital rely for the disposal, (b) has she found that the disposal of the toxic waste in the river complies with applicable legislation, (c) will the person who approved the disposal of toxic waste into the river be held accountable, and (d) what steps does she intend taking; if not, (2) Whether she intends investigating the matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. (a, b, c and d)
The complaint in relation to this matter was not received by the Department of Environmental Affairs, and we have recently become aware of it through media articles. Although one article indicates that the matter was reported to “the Blue Scorpions of the Department of Environmental Affairs”, it is likely that the matter was rather reported to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) as the Blue Scorpions reside under that Department.
2. Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs) of the Department of Environmental Affairs have now commenced with a preliminary investigation. Following the site investigation which will be undertaken soon, as well as further discussions with the DWS, a decision will be made on further action required.
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