Director claims names of chemicals are confidential

THE WESTMEAD warehouse fire has sparked high levels of concern among residents who are questioning the types of chemicals that were stored in the building. They believe the fire and the pollution in the Umbilo river which was a subsequent result of the blaze could have detrimental effects on their health.

When the Highway Mail contacted the director of Stoble Warehousing and Distribution, Ken Beckwith to obtain a list of the chemicals that were housed in the warehouse, he said he cannot issue the names of the chemicals, as it is intellectual and private property that belongs to their customers.

eThekwini Municipality’s head of communications, Tozi Mthethwa, said the list of chemicals is still outstanding from the company.

According to Mthethwa, the municipality took samples on 8 February to test the river water for the level of toxins in it. According to the results, the water in the river was toxic, but the latest readings showed much improved results.

“Water Quality Officers have taken more river samples and said no foam was visible further downstream. We suspect that the rain two weekends ago flushed the river system,” said Mthethwa.

“As a precautionary measure, we advise that members of the community do not come into contact with the water and do not consume the fish or any other aquatic life forms from the river,” Mthethwa added.

The municipality also confirmed that it will be addressing the bunding standards with the company. ‘Bunding’ is also called a ‘bund wall’ and is a constructed retaining wall designed to prevent spills or breaches from a known source.

The municipality said in a statement that there are standard bunding practises from the National Buildings Regulations the company has to comply with. In terms of the bunding regulations, Beckwith said in his opinion, the bunding was sufficient to cover the warehouse, however he added that he cannot comment further as he is not a qualified engineer.

Queensburgh councillor, Andre Mitchell, spoke out about the company’s refusal to divulge the list of chemical names.

“Their outright rejection to respond and supply the full list of poisonous chemicals which polluted the Umbilo River clearly indicates they have no accountability to the community and the environment.

“I am also still waiting to hear what action is going to be taken against this business. We also need those in authority to supply the community with plans of action, and applicable legislation to be enforced, to assure the community that such a disaster with not happen again.

“I also await an explanation as to why this pollution happened, the transparent outcome of the investigation and what charges have been laid against those responsible,” said Mitchell.