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Minister David Malatsi: 'It was with great concern that I learnt through the media about the alleged pollution of the sea in the vicinity of Milnerton. This type of pollution cannot be allowed and I have immediately instructed my department, to engage the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, so that they can jointly investigate this situation. I am of the opinion that those responsible for the placement of effluent into the sea must be brought to book. The sea belongs to us all, and it is unfortunate that our surfers and other sports persons that use the sea for recreational purposes, as well as those who use the seas for their livelihood, must suffer as a result of those who wilfully pollute it. In terms of the process that we will follow in order to identify the culprit, we will firstly collect samples from the sea and have them analysed, in order to establish the contents and nature of the effluent. Thereafter we will proceed to identify the culprit, where after the regulations that govern the illegal dumping of effluent will run its course. I want to reassure all those who live in the Milnerton area, and those who are closely associated with the sea, that I will leave no stone unturned in order to find the culprits and bring them to book, as this type of activity is illegal and will not be tolerated'.

Enquiries: Sam Dodgen @ 0828219018)

Issued by Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Western Cape

6 September 2002