Update on the Msunduzi River disaster
Water is being distributed to the communities around the Msunduzi and Umgeni Rivers in Pietermaritzburg and Durban, with the Gift of the Givers and other NGOs assisting with relief by providing water to affected communities.
Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal said that it is awaiting a report regarding the cause of the major chemical spill in the Msunduzi River (a combination of oil and caustic soda), before deciding on whether negligence was involved and if criminal proceedings should take place against Willowton Oil, the company behind the environmental disaster.
Water is being distributed to the communities around the Msunduzi and Umgeni Rivers in Pietermaritzburg and Durban, with the Gift of the Givers and other NGOs assisting with relief by providing water to affected communities.
READ: HEALTH WARNING: residents cautioned against making use of water from Inanda Dam
Willowton Oil says it has contracted three companies to deal with the crisis. Containment bands have been put in place as well as absorbents to mop up the oil. Specialists have also been hired to ascertain the extent of the damage. When this report is completed, it will be forwarded to the DEA. Warnings have been issued to communities not to drink or use the water. The DEA says it is not aware of any people who have been affected by contact with the water and alleged cattle deaths have not been confirmed.
“We are not aware of any persons directly affected by this fish and aquatic have been severely affected. It had been alleged that a number of cattle had been killed but no cattle have been confirmed to be dead. We are actually communicating quite extensively warning people not to use this water,” said Siphumelele Nowele (DEA Department Chief Director)
For more background, see also: ‘Disaster fund needed to clean KZN river spill’ https://www.groundup.org.za/…/disaster-fund-be-set-kzn-riv…/
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
