Picketers in Prospecton welcome Sapref’s stoppage
Sapref has been accused of air pollution by communities who live near the plant.
WHILE the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, has said that the decision by “certain” petroleum companies to shut local refineries is driven by greed and arrogance, some have welcomed Sapref’s decision to divest from Prospecton.
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Mantashe made the remarks on Tuesday, February 15, in Parliament after BP South Africa and Shell Downstream South Africa, who are joint owners of the Sapref refinery plant, announced that they will cease operations by the end of March. He said this decision will cause job losses, affect the economy, and lead to uncertainty fuel supply. national and economic security.
“For our national and economic security, we are taking drastic measures in this regard,” said Mantashe.
Established in 1963, Sapref produces 35% of South Africa’s fuel.
In a joint statement, BP and Shell said the decision to halt operations was taken in consultation with the government, unions, and employees. It further said a re-start is possible in the future, including in the event of the plant being bought by new owners.
On the other hand, South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) coordinator, Desmond D’sa, welcomed the impending pause of operations, saying it was overdue. SDCEA and people from the surrounding communities picketed outside Sapref premises on Friday, February 18. They said the company has contributed to air pollution that has affected the surrounding area for years.
“We are happy to hear the refinery will close, but we want this to be made permanent. Shell knew two years ago that it would not be feasible to upgrade and improve the site, and their shareholders and bankers started divesting from the fossil fuel industry. It’s a disgrace that Shell’s senior management didn’t consult its fence-line communities and we are concerned they are running away from community health reparations. They should not get away with just closing down the refinery without a just transition applied to communities, casual workers, and permanent staff ,” said D’sa.
One of the picketers, Anjali Govender, said she has people in her family who have been affected by the pollution over the years. She said she shared hope with other residents that the refinery will permanently close and relocate.
“We are aware of the job losses and the effect that the closure of this area would have on people’s lives, but it has been too long that the refinery was allowed to operate and cause negative effects to those living in the communities bordering it,” said Govender.
