COMMUNITIES from around Durban who have been affected by the three-day long fire that raged at a Rossburgh warehouse can now voice concerns. The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), will host the public meetings with communities from around Durban. Following the fire several North Durban residents, along with their counterparts in the south of the city raised their concerns over the health impact of the fire which firefighters battled for more than two days.
More than 90 firefighters, three water carriers and 12 fire engines were part of efforts to stop the fire. The plume of smoke from the fire saw it spread as far as eMdloti- more than 40 kilometres away from the warehouse. The property, which belongs to Transnet, is situated on South Coast Road.
Desmond D’Sa, office coordinator at the SDCEA said the necessary officials will be in Glenashley to address the community’s concerns and issues surrounding health impacts, damage to property, and the emergency plan.
“SDCEA is calling for a full and independent investigation into the cause of the fire and is calling for accountability from the eThekwini municipality and Transnet. This is part of a series of meetings that are being held in areas that were affected by the blaze,” he said.
Firefighters from all over Durban fought the fire for more than two days. PHOTO: Chris Botha
However, Molatwane Likhethe, spokesperson for Transnet said the company had put together a team to investigate the cause of the fire.
“We have put together a team to investigate the cause and the cost of the damage, including the environmental impact. We would like to give this process a chance to unfold without interference through speculation or pre-emptive scenarios,” Likhethe said.
The meeting will take place at St Luke’s Congregational Church, Roger Place, Glenashley (Durban North) from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Thursday, 6 April. For more information email Shanice Gomes on shanicechantelf@gmail.com.
