THE South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) is urging residents of Durban South communities to report and log pollution complaints.
This comes after a company based in the Jacobs area emitted a cloud of black smoke on Monday morning, 22 June, negatively affecting the nearby Jacobs Hostel community.
“It is upsetting to see that South Durban Residents are continuously being disrespected by surrounding refineries and industries. This time the culprit company is located on the corner of Balfour and Milner Roads. These incidents need to be stopped with immediate effect.
“Several Jacob’s community members have complained about this incident and emphasized that many residents suffer major health issues including respiratory illnesses, skin irritation, leukemia or cancer. These polluting companies have failed to take accountability for the incidents and to date have not put in place an Emergency plan in case of these major incidents, such as explosions or gas leaks,” said Joanne Groom, SDCEA Communications Officer.
She added that the environmental alliance has spoken to the relevant City health officials, who should be contacted when residents experience these smells, noises or irritations relating to air pollution from industries.
“This is crucial in trying to get these officials to respond to our complaints and make sure that industries are held accountable. Please make use of the details of health officials provided, in an attempt to shed light on the lack of action taken by the relevant officials,” she said, further urging community members to continue logging complains through the pollution help-line. Daytime line: 031- 311 3555/5150, Night-time line: 031-361-0000. Ask for a reference number and provide SDCEA with this number so that they can follow up on your complaint.
Air related pollution issues officials’ contact details:
- Neil Larat: Larat@durban.gov.za; 078 7034898
- Bruce Dale: Dale@durban.gov.za, 083 4495781
- Santosh Hansraj: Hansraj@durban.gov.za; 081 3448318
- Peter Robert: Peter.Roberts@durban.gov.za; 083 7761129
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