In another blow for Kuils River residents who have been complaining about pollution from steel company Cisco, Mayor Dan Plato told them that he is referring their concerns to the national government. A report on the IoL site notes that Earl Polman, chairperson of Vredelust Ratepayers’ Association, said the City of Cape Town believed it had exhausted all options.

‘The mayor said he would be in contact with national government,’ said Polman. Lyndon Khan, Plato’s spokesperson, said broader consultation on the issue was required.

In January last year, the city council told residents that after measuring the noise limits, a legal notice was served on Cisco to reduce the noise and a docket for prosecution was lodged for contravening the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations. The matter was heard in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on 6 March and 3 April (last year) and both court cases were appealed by Cisco.

The next court dates were set for 22, 23 and 24 May this year.

‘The court’s decision will have to be respected,’ Khan said.

Residents want the company to be rezoned and to be deemed as a noxious trader (a company that is disreputable because it caused a great deal of pollution).

Heinrich Kriel, general manager at Cisco, said: ‘Cisco has a social, economic and environmental responsibility to contribute to the growth of the economy and supply job opportunities to the people in the local community. A lot of focus has and still is going into managing our environmental responsibility in ensuring being a responsible business.’

Full report on the IoL site