Court rules Msunduzi violated environmental laws
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has found that Msunduzi Municipality violated environmental laws by mismanaging its New England Road landfill site.
There'd been numerous complaints by residents over out-of-control fires spreading toxic fumes.
Judgment was handed down in the matter filed by the South African Human Rights Commission on Thursday.
The judge ordered the municipality to come up with an action plan to improve conditions at the site.
The commission's Lloyd Lotz says they welcome the ruling.
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"It's a judgment that we believe adds to the body of legal jurisprudence. It clarifies also the fact that if you violate environmental laws, you are essentially also violating the constitution.
"So we are very happy because the rights of the citizens of Pietermaritzburg have now been vindicated."
The municipality says its legal team is studying the judgment.
