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Media Advisory: SAHRC Eastern Cape Provincial Office to conduct inspection flowing from court orders relating to the Right to a Healthy Environment within the Buffalo City Municipality
Attention: Editors and Reporters
12 July 2022
The SAHRC in the Eastern Cape has noted through various reports and community engagements complaints relating to the right to a healthy environment within the Buffalo City Municipality. This includes concerns relating to the spilling of sewage into rivers and beaches surrounding local communities and attractions, and the lack of maintenance of key infrastructure in order to prevent ongoing environmental concerns.
12 July 2022
The SAHRC in the Eastern Cape has noted through various reports and community engagements complaints relating to the right to a healthy environment within the Buffalo City Municipality. This includes concerns relating to the spilling of sewage into rivers and beaches surrounding local communities and attractions, and the lack of maintenance of key infrastructure in order to prevent ongoing environmental concerns.
The SAHRC is also aware of recent court orders made against the Municipality as well as the Department of Water and Sanitation where these stakeholders were ordered to repair sewage pump stations and slit traps so as to prevent and address matters affecting the local communities and environment. In view of the fact that the court ordered these to be effected by the end of July 2022, the SAHRC will conduct an oversight inspection tomorrow, the 13th of July 2022 to assess progress made in this regard.
The oversight inspection will include a visit to the Nahoon River and the Municipality. The Department of Water and Sanitation as well as the Green Scorpions have been invited to join the SAHRC during its inspection.
The Commission underscores the need for responsible organs to state to comply with court orders to prevent further perpetuation of human rights violations.
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For further information, contact the SAHRC Provincial Manager, Dr Eileen Carter @ 043 722 7828/072 638 9016 or email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Advocacy and Research Officer, Zukiswa N Mqakanya @ 043 722 7828 or email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
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