In a significant step towards improving air quality and promoting healthier communities, the Gauteng MEC for Environment, Ewan Botha this morning officially launched the implementation of the rollout of Low-Cost Air Quality Sensors (LCS) in the in the West Rand at the Ramosa hall in Randfontein.
The LCS devices, donated by the Clean Air Fund, are monitoring devices designed to measure key air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O₃). They will play a crucial role in strengthening local air quality monitoring, expanding coverage to more areas, and ensuring access to accurate, real-time data.
While the West Rand has not yet been declared a poor air quality area, data indicates growing pollution challenges driven by mining emissions, dust, and rapid urbanisation. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is currently working towards declaring the region a priority area due to these persistent air quality concerns.
Currently, the West Rand has two official air quality monitoring stations that are not operational as a result of theft, vandalism, and inadequate maintenance. The introduction of LCS technology will help bridge this gap by improving local monitoring capacity and enabling continuous, reliable tracking of air quality trends.
Poor air quality poses serious health risks, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and asthma. By enhancing access to accurate air quality data, authorities can respond more effectively to pollution challenges and with interventions safeguard public health.
Through this initiative, 24 low-cost sensors will be installed across West Rand municipalities. Mogale City Local Municipality is one of the beneficiaries, allocated six sensors, five of which have already been installed in key areas across the city. These sensors will strengthen the city’s air quality monitoring network, provide reliable environmental data, and raise public awareness about the importance of clean air for sustainable living.
Other key stakeholders that attended the event include the DFFE, West Rand Municipality and the Clean Air Fund Service provider.