Fresh concerns over diesel generator pollution and fumes entering homes are being expressed by residents of an estate who live adjacent to the Helderberg Clinic in Strand, where a diesel generator installed late last year has become the brunt of allegations relating to health worries.
Attorney’s representing the clinic claim that their client has done its utmost to involve all interested parties in finding a solution to the complaint and has invested a large amount of time and resources to ensure that the matter is resolved amicably.
A resident of the estate, Margot van Rensburg, contended that toxic fumes are affecting the health of many in the estate, and that the installation of the generator should have been done with consideration of neighbours.
“This generator has been blowing toxic gasses into the houses and severely affecting the health of residents. The matter was raised with the clinic, their managing agent, the complex body corporate as well as the City’s environment air pollution control unit. Although the City issued a notice to the clinic, we are not seeing any progress to resolve this matter and further they are continuing to poison residents despite being aware of the generator issue,” said van Rensburg, who added that it was important for the community to realise the effects of generator gas poisoning.
Helderberg Clinic, located at 2 Fijnbos Close just off Altena Road, is a private mental healthcare hospital for adults and adolescents, and is owned by the Life Path Health Group of Mental Healthcare hospitals.
Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the City’s Mayoral Committee member for community services and health, confirmed that site inspections were conducted by the City’s air quality management and noise control sections and a pre-compliance notice as well as a compliance notice was issued on the offender, and that follow-up inspections and communication to complainants regarding the completion of the affidavit were also undertaken.
“Subsequent to this the alleged offender appointed an attorney (Doms Attorneys (Practice No. 8586), who has been communicating with the senior air quality practitioner leading the investigation. The attorney was also requested to contact the neighbouring home owners association trustee, Bergzicht Gardens, to discuss the matter and also provide feedback regarding the engagement with them,” said Van der Ross.
She added that the attorney advised as follows: “On 29 March we visited the Life Path Helderberg Clinic, where we inspected the generator. We have subsequently consulted with and obtained quotations from several experts in the field. We also contacted the manufacturer of the generator for advice and have received various quotations for the diversion of the fumes, when the generator is operational, which will satisfy the complainants. We are awaiting instructions from our clients and will advise you as to the most effective resolve as agreed to by all parties.’
“In the event the matter has not been satisfactorily resolved a case docket will be prepared and submitted to the Senior Control Public Prosecutor for a decision on implementing a criminal prosecution,” she stated.
Doms Attorneys, commenting on behalf of Life Path Helderberg Clinic, stated its client as well as the sub-acute hospital on the same premises were instructed by the Department of Health to have a generator installed and during the installation followed and complied with all prescribed regulations and bylaws satisfactorily.
