Companies responsible for water pollution warned

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"The department views the pollution of the country's rivers and dams and the illegal abstraction of water resources as a serious transgression on the National Water Act and warns those breaking the law that action will be taken against them," said department spokesperson Themba Khumalo.

To kick-start the enforcement week, from 25-29 November, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa is expected to conduct compliance inspections in Emalahleni (Witbank).

The Blitz Week will see a massive effort to clamp down transgressors, where enforcement officers will embark on a Zero Tolerance campaign, which will see action being taken against those responsible for water crimes.

"Department's enforcement unit, known as the Blue Scorpions will also conduct a number of raids on mines operating without Water Use Licenses, companies and farms polluting water courses and those illegally abstracting water from water courses," said Khumalo.

A series of similar events are planned across the country throughout the week.