In June 2003 ECOSERV was awarded the tender for the air quality monitoring system for the Multipoint Plan.

Since then ECOSERV have been concentrating on negotiations and arrangement with suppliers to get the monitoring station built and equipped.

Plans for the final implementation of the Durban South Multi-Point Plan Monitoring System are proceeding apace. Final approvals and facilities are being put in place for each of the 12 new monitoring sites. These range from Alverston in the west, to the City Centre in the North East and Prospecton in the South. All but the Wentworth monitoring station will be replaced in the old monitoring system.
Ecoserv has been involved in:

Assisting with the new shelter design and arrangement to ensure secure, ergonomic internal and external arrangement of equipment and facilities
Final site specification and arrangement
Quality assurance system update and upgrade for the new monitoring arrangement.

By the end of October, all monitoring stations are to be installed. November will be dedicated to ensuring that the system runs effectively, with calibrations taking place mid-month. Once calibrated, the system will be technically producing valid data but it is the team’s intention to hold the official system launch on 1 December 2003, by which time all systems will have been double-checked.

In the interim, plans are proceeding for the old monitoring system switch-off. Once the new system is deemed functional, the AECI, Southern Works, Settlers School and Mobile Station (Currently located in Angelier Rd, Bluff) will be switched off. The Municipality has decided to redeploy this monitoring equipment during the health study. It is likely that this equipment will be used at schools in Durban North and in Durban South for short-term studies, aimed to coincide with the epidemiological programmes that will be conducted at the schools.

For further information on ECOSERV’s involvement please contact Dudu Mjoli on 031 710 1850.