THE KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council said it supports investigations into the chemical spill at the United Phosphorus Limited (UPL) Warehouse in Cornubia after it was set on fire during the KZN unrest in July.
The spill has had serious consequences for both people and the environment, including on the air, soil, freshwater and the ocean itself.
“The Executive Council noted with concern the environmental disaster caused by this incident, and the danger it poses to the citizens and businesses in the area. The Executive Council supports a thorough investigation into the cause of this incident and further calls for criminal enforcement against anyone found guilty for their role in this matter. Executive Council has directed that affected communities be continuously kept abreast of the progress with regard to efforts aimed at resolving this matter,” the council said in a statement.
Read also: Probe into Cornubia chemical spill to be finalised in September
Criminal charges were recently laid by the provincial government against UPL.
Recently, Ravi Pillay, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, along with residents and various others roleplayers held a public meeting convened by the UPL Cornubia Fire Civil Society Action Group at Reddam House Umhlanga.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss matters related to environmental and human health challenges resulting from a fire that gutted the chemicals warehouse.
Speaking at the meeting, the MEC gave the assurance that the way forward includes a comprehensive assessment of the entire response to the incident and what should be the best practice going forward.
Read also: uMhlanga resident calls for transparency over Cornubia chemical spill
Pillay said one of the main important tasks to be undertaken by government includes understanding what has been the human health impact.
Meanwhile, UPL has put in place a formal complaint process for the submission and handling of complaints by the public as a result of the incident.
“It has come to UPL’s attention that certain parties are distributing the following incorrect email address for the submission of complaints to UPL: uplcomplaints@apex.co.za. The correct email address for the submission of complaints is: uplcomplaints@apexenviro.co.za.”
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