Sulphuric acid spillage: disaster worsens
Almost three weeks after the horrific spillage of sulphuric acid into the Nylriver in Modimolle, the suphuric acid continues to sink deeper into the bed of the river unabated.
LIMPOPO – Almost three weeks after the horrific spillage of sulphuric acid into the Nylriver in Modimolle, the suphuric acid continues to sink deeper into the bed of the river unabated.
According to a DA press release, Jacques Smalle, DA Limpopo Provincial Leader says apart from the Waterberg District and Modimolle local municipalities’ poor response, the department of environment has been dragging its feet in rehabilitating the acidic river.
“Urgent action is required to save this river form permanent contamination and ecological disaster. Yet government has been uncoordinated, unconcerned and confused in its response,” says Smalle.
The DA has learnt that an environmental expert mop up team has abandoned the rehabilitation site due to no commitment by government to pay for its services.
“The site has been left unattended to for the past five days while the acid further contaminates the river. Sulphuric acid in its nature is a lot heavier than water and can flow faster than water. One day delay in containing the deadly acid in the river multiplies the problem,” says Smalle.
This disaster has left scores of human and animals lives (over 300 farms) endangered after government has failed to coordinate a proper response.
The DA says they will submit written questions on the exact operational plan that the Department and Municipalities have been working to, and if none exists, will push the MEC to account to Legislature.
