Makana faces an all-day Sunday power outage this weekend, as the municipality repairs and upgrades some of its electricity network in preparation for Arts Fest.
Makana faces an all-day Sunday power outage this weekend, as the municipality repairs and upgrades some of its electricity network in preparation for Arts Fest.
Further abroad, for Germany citizens in particular, the electro news is much better. Their infrastructure has put them way ahead of other industrial economies in the generation of ‘green’ energy.
Over 20% of Germany’s electricity already originates from clean sources and the target of 80% by 2050 is becoming absolutely attainable.
So says a recent report by the International Energy Agency.
What has given many hope, is that Germany has surpassed even its own ambitious objectives for producing electricity from renewable sources – and has done so with no damage to its economy.
In fact, renewable electricity technology has itself become an important economic sector. Siemens, for example, now boasts the biggest green technology product range in the world.
Overall, Germany reduced its major emissions mostly through the rollout of a decentralised renewable energy infrastructure, especially solar panels.
The country also made several great policy moves at the federal level, such as phasing out subsidised coal mining, strongly funding energy conservation projects and streamlining the construction of the new transmission lines.
Huge amounts of electricity are lost during the transmission process from source to user, and the new transmission lines are making a vast difference in conserving energy.
So take heed South Africa.
It’s possible to go green and still race ahead at full steam!
Muni manager responds to sewage outcry
Alarmed by the large-scale sewage leaks and flow of effluent into the Blaaukrantz River, the Kowie Catchment Campaign (KCC) wrote to the Makana municipal manager on 5 June.
The letter, calling for immediate intervention, also served to remind the muni that in 2010 the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs served a National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) section 28 compliance notice on Makana Municipality.
This notice places emphasis on caring for the environment and remedying environmental damage. Indeed, raw sewage pouring out of an inspection cover in an open field near Nathaniel Nyaluza School on Albert Street is an ironic example of local government budget prioritisation.
The leak is on the site where a heritage monument is being developed, where children play and livestock graze. It flows into the Blaaukrantz (Bloukrans/Umatyana) River which flows into Port Alfred’s drinking water supply. Samples taken from the river below indicate shocking E. coli levels.
This grave and ongoing threat to people, livestock and the environment cannot be allowed to continue.
The KCC’s letter called on Makana Municipality to outline its budget allocation and medium- and long-term timescales in addressing this; as well as what priorities have been set in terms of repairing, replacing and unblocking sewage pipes.
The KCC reiterated its desire to collaborate with Makana Municipality to resolve this urgent issue. Municipal Manager Dr Pravine Naidoo responded within an hour, calling on his directors of engineering and infrastructural services (Mr E.T. Myalato) and social and community services (Mr M Planga) to submit a joint report.
Naidoo gave the assurance that a consolidated response would be forwarded to the KCC within 14 days.
For a photographic record of sewage leak hotspots, check out the KCC website at www.kowiecatchmentcampaign.org.za/Sewerage.html. A 2007 report submitted to Makana Municipality is also available at http://tinyurl.com/m7l6eus.
Trees aflutter and homeless egrets
It’s tree-felling season again and while fireplace owners are grinning, other residents have been dismayed to see cattle egret rookeries being destroyed by municipal tree fellers.
“Why would anyone want to chop down a tree with these beautiful birds and their chicks in the nests?” asked one resident. “Killing birds and trees is outrageous.”
Kevin Bates, manager of the Makana Municipality parks department, regretted these actions.
He did point out however that large egret rookeries lead to outbreaks of lice, which is a health hazard. Bates said there are other reasons for removing street trees.
Some species become a safety hazard as they grow older and heavier – sometimes falling on people or property.
In some areas, unsuitable exotic tree species have been planted too close to, and interfere with, essential infrastructure such as power lines, water and sewerage.
Bates requested that if residents notice egrets beginning to roost on a regular basis anywhere close to houses or office blocks, they should call the parks department on 046 603 6093.
An official will be sent to assess the situation, and Bates said he will ensure that any actions taken are humane.
