North Durban residents concerned by fumes emanating from chemical warehouse
Residents are advised to close windows and doors and put wet cloths over vents until the smoke clears.
UMHLANGA ward councillor, Nicole Bollman, has urged residents to keep their doors and windows closed following a fire that ripped through a chemical warehouse in Cornubia last week.
The warehouse was one of several buildings set on fire during the KZN unrest and some residents have reported that the thick cloud of smoke is still visible in the air.
Extensive environmental impacts have also been reported at uMhlanga and uMdloti Lagoons and beaches in the vicinity and these have contributed to killing numerous species of marine and bird life due to a spillage from the warehouse.
Related article: Beaches north of Durban to be closed following chemical spillage
“I’ve been in contact with Rory Macpherson, who is helping deal with the situation. Various teams are currently containing the site and there is a company removing the metal roof off the warehouse to dampen the fire and reduce any further smoke which is considered toxic.
“We are hoping the fire will be extinguished soon. Residents of Prestondale and Izinga and other residents in the vicinity are all suffering with this revolting haze which has been plaguing our communities since last week,” Bollman said.
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Lindiwe Khuzwayo added that clean-up companies are trying to deal with the site.
“Residents are advised to close windows and doors and put wet cloths over vents until the smoke clears as a precautionary measure. Please report any further pollution in the waterways or sea to the emergency number 031 3610000,” she said.
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