POLLUTION

A group of people have been burning large numbers of tyres in an open field to sell the steel that is found inside the tyres. Your municipality has been unable to catch them or stop them from burning the tyres. The land owner cannot control the tyre burners either.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

First, complain to the municipality and then to the provincial government. If you are not satisfied with the steps taken by the municipality or provincial government, you should write to the Director-General or provincial head of department. You must:

• Write a statement of the facts of the complaint
• Add copies of all letters of complaint to other government officials and answers received
• Add maps, photographs or video evidence, medical evidence of injury and so on, if you have this.

If you make a complaint to the Director-General or provincial head, they must investigate the case and tell the responsible for the pollution to take reasonable steps to stop the problem by a certain date.

If you are not satisfied with the result of your complaint you can request the government to appoint a facilitator to try to have the disagreement referred to conciliation. (See National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act [No 39 of 2004])