Walvis prepares to call in the smell-busters

THE Walvis Bay Municipality is to enlist the aid of an international expert on emissions from fishmeal plants as a first step in dealing with an outcry at the town that the stench has become intolerable and even poses a health risk.

In a statement issued yesterday, the municipality said it was “greatly concerned” about the issue and it was aware of unconfirmed reports that emissions are damaging to residents’ health. “However, scientific studies determining the impact of these emissions and odours on human health first need to be undertaken to verify these unconfirmed incidences.This is the only way that logical and justifiable action can be taken against fishmeal-producing plants,” said the statement.Complaints from the public have mentioned worsening asthma and sinusitis conditions because of the emissions.Last year, more than 100 people signed a petition demanding that the municipality put a stop to the smell in terms of the Public Health Act.The United States Embassy has offered N$20 000 to pay for an expert to visit the harbour town to address the industry and residents on the effects of the emissions on human health.”This will be the first step towards a comprehensive study,” said the municipality.But at the same time, it appears cautious of the recommendations such a study could have.”At the same time, it must be noted that any present or future action to be undertaken on this issue has to be addressed in terms of socio-economic factors, such as possible job losses,” said the municipality.Attached to last year’s petition were certificates from two medical practitioners to confirm that the odours emanating from fishmeal plants at the town were dangerous.”However, scientific studies determining the impact of these emissions and odours on human health first need to be undertaken to verify these unconfirmed incidences.This is the only way that logical and justifiable action can be taken against fishmeal-producing plants,” said the statement.Complaints from the public have mentioned worsening asthma and sinusitis conditions because of the emissions.Last year, more than 100 people signed a petition demanding that the municipality put a stop to the smell in terms of the Public Health Act.The United States Embassy has offered N$20 000 to pay for an expert to visit the harbour town to address the industry and residents on the effects of the emissions on human health.”This will be the first step towards a comprehensive study,” said the municipality.But at the same time, it appears cautious of the recommendations such a study could have. “At the same time, it must be noted that any present or future action to be undertaken on this issue has to be addressed in terms of socio-economic factors, such as possible job losses,” said the municipality.Attached to last year’s petition were certificates from two medical practitioners to confirm that the odours emanating from fishmeal plants at the town were dangerous.