Community puts plans in place to protect Durban South community
A group of Bluff community members have taken it upon themselves to develop a disaster management plan for the Durban South Basin area, situated at the heart of the petrochemical industry.
THE communities within ward 66 and 68 have long been subject to dangerous, industry-related incidents. These include fires, toxic gas emissions, explosions and chemical leakages.
However, an even greater concern has been that the area does not have a comprehensive Disaster Management Plan that residents can successfully follow.
As a result, a group of likeminded people have put together a Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) plan that aims to train and galvanise residents to ensure they are able to help themselves.
The plan was initiated by experts in disaster management and Ashnie and Nigel Adams, of the Bluff, have called on the community and volunteers to have their say on the current plan.
“As a CBDRR volunteer, you will provide support services to the community before, during and after a time of disaster. CBDRR volunteers will receive training and participate in the development and roll out of risk reduction plans for their area, with support from the municipality,” said Ashnie Adams.
The seed was planted after the tragic blast at the Engen Refinery on December 4 last year.
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“When that explosion happened, people were in a panic, posted all sorts of things on social media and didn’t know what to do. The need for a disaster plan was heavy on our hearts. In the past, people had been under the impression that the community had to evacuate to the Clairwood Racecourse in case of emergency. But there was no direction or official communication about that and now that racecourse is no more,” said Nigel Adams.
“We have lived in this area for a very long time and because of the industry in the area, we have been inundated with incidents such as fires and explosions as well as environmental incidents and, every time community members don’t know what to do to protect themselves. Many don’t understand the risk associated with such incidents or what steps to take,” said Nigel.
The couple put their heads together to try to figure out a way forward and to address the community’s need. The couple reached out to the municipality and were informed that there was a team working on a disaster risk reduction plan for the South Durban Basin area. However, this is still in the planning phase.
“There has also been failing from industry and government in terms of preparing people. We work in this field and understand that such industries have internal emergency plans for their staff and everyone has a clear understanding of what to do and where to go. And so we thought we could bring this knowledge into the community,” said Nigel.
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“We want to bring the community, industry and the municipality together in a proactive approach to shape our destiny together. We want to bring dedicated people who care about the community and make this change.
“We’ll equip them with the skills to develop their own plans that will best accommodate their communities, beyond industrial risk. This could include formulating an evacuation plan in the case of a fire in a flat. Your help will relieve the suffering of community members during disasters,” they said, adding that they were looking to get the youth involved.
A pilot project will be launched on Friday, November 26 in Treasure Beach. Surrounding communities are encouraged to attend.
“We understand that accidents happen, but we need to ensure we are ready for any emergencies. We want to work together. We appeal to local industries, big and small, to support this initiative by joining forces with us and attending our meetings.
“I share this in anticipation that we will rise as a community and stick together in trying times. I believe that even beyond disaster risk management, this is something that can bring our community together,” said Ashnie.
There is no remuneration, stipend or gift offered for this voluntary initiative. To apply, visit https://forms.gle/QJXmmYM88i3hBhpw7/. Alternatively, contact Ashnie on 060 733 9551.
