FF Plus lodges complaint with HRC about air pollution at Medupi power station

18 April 2023

After numerous complainants from residents of the Lephalale Local Municipality (Ellisras) about preventable air pollution at the Medupi power station, the FF Plus lodged a formal complaint about it with the Human Rights Commission (HRC).

The biggest cause of the air pollution is how the combusted coal's ash is supposedly disposed of. In fact, the ash is not disposed of at all, it is dumped on a heap and then the wind blows it everywhere.

The ash is no longer transported to the Matimba ash heap on a conveyor belt, but is simply dumped right next to the power station.

The slightest breeze blows the fine ash all over the dumping site, town and surrounding area.

Eskom is clearly not following the same rehabilitation programme as it did with the Matimba Ash Disposal Facility.

The way in which the ash is currently being dumped is not in line with reasonable environmental regulations and could pose increased health risks to residents.

There is obviously some laxity on Eskom's part when it comes to preventing air pollution and although Eskom is struggling to keep the lights on, it must be compelled to do everything in its power to reduce air pollution.

The FF Plus requested the HRC to urgently investigate the air pollution, and to compel Eskom to implement the necessary measures to reduce it.

The Bill of Rights determines that each person has the right to live and work in an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing.

Pollution and ecological decline must be prevented as well.

The FF Plus will monitor the progress of the matter and act in residents' best interests.

Issued by Marcelle Maritz, FF Plus MPL and provincial leader: Limpopo, 18 April 2023