Umbilo River water still polluted a week later
The Umbilo River water is still polluted a week after a factory housing chemicals burnt down, causing its chemicals to wash down storm water drains.
ETHEKWINI Municipality has urged residents to still steer clear of using water from the Umbilo River following last week’s pollution of the river after a factory housing chemicals burnt down.
The municipality’s head of communication, Tozi Mthethwa, said the municipality is appealing to the community to be vigilant and avoid any form of contact with the water from the Umbilo River, until further notice.
“This is due to contaminated water that seeped into the Umbilo River through the storm water drains after a chemical warehouse caught fire on Saturday, 7 February.
“The storm water drains have been sealed-off to prevent any more leakage. However, the already contaminated water in the river continues to move downstream towards the Durban habour.
“Communities around the Westmead, Queensburgh, Northdene, Edwin Swales Road, Paradise Valley, and other areas in close proximity to the Umbilo River, are urged to be extra cautious and avoid any contact with the water.
“No fish or other aquatic life forms from the river should be consumed at this stage.Officials comprising of the municipality’s Water and Sanitation Unit, Health Unit, Fire and Emergency Services Department, National Department of Water and Sanitation and Environmental Affairs are monitoring the situation,” she said.
The municipality assured residents that they will be informed of any changes that may occur.
