RESIDENTS are outraged following the oil spill in the Durban harbour on Friday, 20 March, with the toll on wildlife unknown.
The oil slick, which entered the harbour from the Amanzimnyama canal, coated the water, boats, wildlife and shoreline. It is unclear what the cost is to the wildlife, but birds and fish were seen covered in the sludge.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) officials responded to the scene and are investigating the cause of the spill. Desmond D’Sa, co-ordinator of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), said eThekwini Municipality health officials were also investigating.
“We urge officials to continue their efforts until the origins of the oil leak are identified. We are concerned that a previous leak that affected the yachts and marine life in the Durban harbour did not yield the desired sanctions. The officials must get to the bottom of these continuous illegal activities that are destroying our waters and life,” said D’Sa.
The clean-up, which began on Friday, was completed by an external service provider contracted by the TNPA on Saturday, 21 March.
