Scientists' study alleges CoCT denied, interfered, misrepresented CT water pollution science
The multi-university study, led by the University of Cape Town, calls for transparency, accountability, and an overhaul of the city's wastewater treatment communication.
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CAPE TOWN - A team of scientists has released a study alleging the City of Cape Town has repeatedly denied, interfered, and misrepresented science in response to water pollution in Cape Town.
The multi-university study, led by the University of Cape Town (UCT), calls for transparency, accountability, and an overhaul of the city's wastewater treatment communication.
City officials said they are reviewing the study before responding to the scientists accordingly.
One of the authors of the study, Professor Lesley Green, said Cape Town's wastewater infrastructure was designed around the idea that oceans and rivers can absorb sewage.
"But our city is no longer small. We are now almost five million people. There are also new chemical compounds that have come on stream in the past thirty years, and those compounds don't break down in the open environment. Instead, they enter living tissue and work their way up the food chain."
Green said the city should be working with scientists, rather than attacking them.
The city has denied the allegations and will review the study before responding to the scientists accordingly.