Gauteng Environmental Dept concerned over air monitoring controls in the province

The Gauteng Environmental Department has raised concerns over the air monitoring controls in the province, with only 15 of its 31 stations functional.

Air monitoring stations are used to measure the levels of pollutants in the atmosphere, like nitrogen and carbon monoxide.

The department held a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, talking about its effort to improve Gauteng's air quality.

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Gauteng is the smallest province in the country by land size; however, it has the highest number of people living in it, making it densely populated.

It's also the country's economic and industrial hub.

Environment MEC, Ewan Botha, said these factors make it criticalto measure the levels of air quality in the province.

"This is such a difficult one because it's one that really touches as a community. When you start to smell those chemicals burning and get that burning sensation in your nose and lungs, and you can feel your health is starting to deteriorate, you really want to know what’s happening."

Air quality monitoring stations are owned and managed by municipalities.

However, the Gauteng Government said it will soon be rolling 124 low-cost air quality sensors across the province to improve monitoring and access to real-time data.