TRANSNET has urged residents to give teams investigating the environmental impact of Durban’s biggest fire in 40 years some time. This comes after several North Durban residents 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.
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 210 000 square metre facility is a storage warehouse for goods that are set for various destinations. It is leased to a head lessee who in turn has several subtenants.
However, some residents insist the fire caused environmental and health damage. Angela Lourens, who lives on Adelaide Tambo (Kensington Drive) said her health has been affected. Other residents have complained about respiratory problems as well. Lourens, like other residents also say their pools and homes have been stained by a black substance, a by-product of the fire.
“I’m very concerned about the environmental and health impacts of the fire. I believe they are far-reaching. I have a terrible sinus problem and it’s been exacerbated by the fire. I also want to claim from them for the damage done to my house. We just had our home painted in November and it’s been replaced by black streaks running down the wall.
“Even my dog, who is white, had these black streaks all over him. It’s deeply concerning. I’m not in a unique position here, I know many other residents who have the same issue,” she said.
Likhethe added now that the fire has been fully extinguished, they have started clearing the rubble and the restoration of the warehouse will be undertaken by the head lessee.
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