UPDATE: Fire raises concerns over South Durban health fears
SDCEA speaks out about fire.
THE fire at a cooking oil factory on South Coast Road is still burning and the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) has raised concerns about the health risk to neighbouring communities.
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“Residents now realise the hazardous industrial complexes of South Durban are expanding and pose even greater threats than before. We call on the city health officials and fire department to thoroughly investigate this incident with regards to safety procedures and standards, equipment maintenance, tank certificates and documentation, as well as training of personnel and the alarm system,” he added.
He alleges the alarm system only went off after 15 minutes and was inaudible. “We are sick and tired of sleeping with one eye open to ensure that our families are protected,” he added.
D’Sa urges officials to take stern action should fault be found. “We hope this incident does not lead to a slap on the wrist and rather that the full might of the law and bylaws should be thrown at the company management. Poor behaviour by these multi-national corporations can only be changed through strong enforcement and sanctions.”
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