AfriForum welcomes the steps taken by the Klein Karoo International (KKI) Abattoir to improve the air quality in Oudtshoorn, following several months of the air around town being permeated by the unbearable smell of H2S because of emissions from the abattoir.
According to George Kersop, AfriForum’s Chairperson in Oudtshoorn, there is now positivity in the air. ‘AfriForum approached the relevant parties earlier this year to address the issue. We want to thank the Eden District Municipality’s Air Quality Unit, as well as the Klein Karoo International Abattoir for being transparent and for working hard to improve the quality of the environment and serving the local community,’ Kersop said.
The Eden District Municipality requested the abattoir to install a pipeline from its plant. The pipe conveys the H2S-containing steam to a boiler where the H2S is burnt off. ‘This installation was completed about two weeks ago,’ Kersop added.
The KKI Abattoir was identified as one of five possible sources which could be contributing to Oudtshoorn’s foul air problem. ‘We trust that the other parties, too, will address the issue by following the example set by KKI Abattoirs by implementing responsible practices to improve their neighbours’ quality of life,’ Kersop said
The KKI Abattoir has invited AfriForum and other affected parties to a site visit on Thursday, 15 November.
AfriForum will monitor the air quality situation in Oudtshoorn on an ongoing basis.
