Independent Network Project

iShoba neHawu – Reveal and Protect

CAP intends to establish an independent air quality monitoring network that will provide democratised ambient air quality data that will assist government, environmental officers, and communities triangulate and identifying offending polluters.

The empirical data from the reference-equivalent monitors together with data from CAP’s grievance/survey forms will be used to persuade and convince those in positions of authority that policy changes are needed to protect the communities’ constitutional rights to a healthy environment protected from pollution and environmental degradation.

After extensive research CAP narrowed down its choice to a monitor which has been extensively tested by the North-West University.

The proposed network will consist of 7 (seven) reference-equivalent monitors positioned at various locations in the iLembe District Municipality. These monitors operate as autonomous units that measure ambient pollutant emissions. The network system will display real-time data on the various levels of local pollution.

The network is scalable, regularly calibrated, and fully maintained by the supplier.

The selected configuration will monitor Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), Ground Level Ozone (O₃), Particulate Matter (PM_2.5), Particulate Matter (PM₁₀), Sulphur dioxide (SO₂), Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S). Additional Components, Pressure, Temperature, Relative Humidity, Wind Speed, and Wind Direction.

The reference-equivalent monitors are imported. The quoted costs of R250,000 to R350,000 each (@ 20.00/1 ZAR/USD) plus an annual maintenance and sensor replacement program.

The 5 (five) year projected cost of the 7 (seven) monitor project is estimated at between ZAR 2,500,000 and ZAR 4,000,000.

The success of the project will depend on CAP’s ability to raise the funds necessary for its implementation. CAP is 100% Crowd Funded and will need to raise funds from donations, subscriptions, grants, and other contributions.