Engen engages with Wentworth community leaders to resolve complaints

APPROXIMATELY 45 per cent of complaints relating to the Engen explosion that happened on 4 December last year have been resolved. 

This is according to a statement released by the oil company that also confirmed that it has been having regular and open engagements with the representative leaders for the Wentworth community.

It said following its meeting on Thursday, 8 April, another meeting would be held this week as part of its ongoing engagements with the 13 community leaders.

“Engen and the community have agreed to the appointment of an independent community facilitator to oversee the process of addressing and settling community complaints. Approximately 45 per cent of the complaints have been resolved, mainly through independent assessment and mediation,” said Engen’s external communications manager, Gavin Smith.

“It is however important to highlight some of the challenges related to the resolution of complaints, which include disagreement regarding settlement amounts, claiming for historical infrastructural issues and obtaining documentation proving ownership of properties, among others,” added Smith.

He said that through their transparent engagements with the leaders, they believe that they have been progressing with these discussions positively and effectively.

“Engen believes in good faith collaboration and engagement between businesses and residents, aimed at systematically and sustainably addressing valid concerns. The company takes all stakeholder concerns seriously and is committed to partnering with the community to achieve a sustainable resolution that is in the best interests of all parties,” he said.

Smith added that the company continues to seek a more sustainable partnership with community stakeholders beyond discussions around the December fire incident.

“These include the co-creation of opportunities to empower and help uplift the South Durban community. We extend sincere gratitude to the community leaders for openly expressing their concerns, and for their support and collaboration in our recent engagements, and assure the community that we are committed to working closely with them moving forward.”