UNITED DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT

MEDIA RELEASE

SEWAGE SPILL ON EAST LONDON BEACH

STATEMENT ISSUED BY PROF. M. MBADI, MP
UDM SPOKESPERSON FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM

The UDM expresses its disgust at the sewage spill from the Ihlanza River, which is now also impacting upon the beach.

It is totally unacceptable that the government takes such a nonchalant view with regards to the sensitivity of the interface between a ravine ecosystem and the marine ecology. The results are clearly visible. Fish are dying, water is being polluted and the natural balance between life-sustaining chemical compounds, such as oxygen, is being compromised. Does it take only the effect on humans, such as the spread of cholera and bilharzias before government reacts?

 The UDM urges the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism as well as the Minister of Water Affairs to urgently implement a programme to address this catastrophic situation.

Enquiries:
Prof. Mtutuzeli  Mbadi, MP
UDM Spokesperson for Environmental Affairs and Tourism
082 556 5048

Cape Town
08 October 2001