Lack of air quality inspections concerns AG
Kandjeke’s report showed that TransNamib has failed to conduct inspections, including the replacement of oil filters on 68% of locomotives, which puts the general public at risk of inhaling toxic gases.
JEMIMA BEUKES
WINDHOEK
Auditor-general Junias Kandjeke has raised a number of red flags regarding the number of inspections on air quality done in the country.
In his latest report, he found that the division of environmental affairs (DEA) in the environment ministry conducted 52 air pollution inspections between 2014 and 2017, and that 26 of these inspections were incomplete.
The ministry also came under fire for not collecting outstanding carbon emission tax, which is feared to increase to N$2.4 billion in 2023, and which will put the general public at increased risk.
The audit found that there is a risk that the customs department in the finance ministry will charge more environmental duties on new motor vehicles compared to second-hand imports.
Kandjeke’s report also showed that TransNamib has failed to conduct inspections, including the replacement of oil filters on 68% of locomotives, which puts the general public at risk of inhaling toxic gases.
At risk
Meanwhile, a visit to 12 commercial charcoal producing farms found that workers are not adequately protected and that regular inspections are not conducted. It was also found that the directorate of forestry failed to timeously enforce harvesting licence conditions.
The National Civil Aviation Authority also came under scrutiny for failing to conduct safety inspections on the engines of aircrafts and helicopters, and as a result, all helicopters and aircrafts are without engine emission certificates.
The audit expressed concern that given this situation, passengers and aircraft staff may be put at a health risk because of gas emissions.
[email protected]
WINDHOEK
Auditor-general Junias Kandjeke has raised a number of red flags regarding the number of inspections on air quality done in the country.
In his latest report, he found that the division of environmental affairs (DEA) in the environment ministry conducted 52 air pollution inspections between 2014 and 2017, and that 26 of these inspections were incomplete.
The ministry also came under fire for not collecting outstanding carbon emission tax, which is feared to increase to N$2.4 billion in 2023, and which will put the general public at increased risk.
The audit found that there is a risk that the customs department in the finance ministry will charge more environmental duties on new motor vehicles compared to second-hand imports.
Kandjeke’s report also showed that TransNamib has failed to conduct inspections, including the replacement of oil filters on 68% of locomotives, which puts the general public at risk of inhaling toxic gases.
At risk
Meanwhile, a visit to 12 commercial charcoal producing farms found that workers are not adequately protected and that regular inspections are not conducted. It was also found that the directorate of forestry failed to timeously enforce harvesting licence conditions.
The National Civil Aviation Authority also came under scrutiny for failing to conduct safety inspections on the engines of aircrafts and helicopters, and as a result, all helicopters and aircrafts are without engine emission certificates.
The audit expressed concern that given this situation, passengers and aircraft staff may be put at a health risk because of gas emissions.
[email protected]
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