New hazardous storage facility: Durban residents object
Residents are concerned about the potential health risks and environmental impacts that may arise from the new storage facility.
THE proposed opening of a hazardous-substance storage facility in Jacobs has sparked significant criticism from residents and environmental groups.
Africa Global Logistics South Africa, based in Springfield, submitted plans to eThekwini Municipality to establish the facility, located just 1.6km from residential areas such as Wentworth, The Bluff and Clairwood.
Concerns about potential health risks and the environmental impact have been raised, with some residents calling the proposal a clear failure by the government to protect local communities.
Chairperson of The Bluff Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association, Norman Gilbert, expressed alarm, emphasising the proximity of the facility to residential areas and the danger posed by toxic chemicals.
Residents demand eThekwini to intervene
Gilbert said a letter has been sent to the company seeking a detailed explanation.
“As a representative of this residential neighbourhood, it’s crucial we understand the exact nature of these substances. My primary concern is the potential risk to our community, given our proximity to the industrial area. The City must prioritise public safety and consider the long-term effects of exposure to toxic chemicals and gases. A single explosion or fire could be catastrophic,” said Gilbert.
Gilbert demanded that the eThekwini Municipality take proactive measures to address this issue rather than rely on community complaints.
“It’s their responsibility to ensure public safety, not pass the buck to residents. Once I receive the list of substances, I’ll consult with experts and make an informed decision. If necessary, I’ll formally object to the company’s application and notify the City.
“My correspondence to the City and company clearly states our intent to object, pending receipt of the necessary information. The 14-day public consultation period began on [September 19], and I’ve requested a copy of the application from the City,” he said.
Air quality and health officer at the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, Bongani Mthembu, said a letter has been sent to Africa Global Logistics South Africa demanding answers.
“We are concerned about the hazardous substances that this company intends to keep at the facility. They have not clearly stated what substances they will store there,” said Mthembu.
The South Durban community has been grappling with disproportionate exposure to a hazardous environment and air pollution linked to petrochemical industrial production.
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A study conducted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal in January 2005 revealed that South Durban communities are exposed to hazardous environments caused by petrochemical industries and 147 other potential hazardous industries.
Regional marketing manager for the Southern African Region, Candy Botha, said the facility will not involve the construction of a new warehousing structure; rather, it will serve as a temporary transit storage facility.
“As part of the due diligence process for the current application, we will initiate compliance by publicly advertising our intent as stipulated in the applicable regulations,” said Botha.
Botha said environmental assessments will be conducted as mandated by eThekwini Municipality through the application process.
“We will follow all prescribed procedures and guidelines to ensure compliance. Documentation of these assessments will be made available as required by regulatory bodies, and we will ensure alignment with our comprehensive global Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) Policies,” she said.
Products to be stored at the facility
The company said the materials to be stored at the facility include low-risk hazardous mining commodities and mining re-agents essential for mineral extraction processes.
“These items are being transported to and from Central Africa’s copper-belt region, transiting through South Africa. The facility is designated solely for short-term storage, with goods remaining on-site for a limited duration.
The company said that almost 15 to 20% of the facility will be utilised for the operational storage of these products.
The materials, securely packaged in sealed bags, will either be loaded into containers for export or unpacked from containers for onward transportation by truck to Central Africa.
“At any given time, we anticipate that approximately 20 to 30 containers of these low-risk materials will be temporarily housed at the facility.
“The facility will comply with the eThekwini Municipality by-laws governing the transportation of low-risk hazardous materials. We will adhere to the guidance provided during the application process and implement all relevant QHSE Policies to ensure safety and compliance,” said Botha.
She added that the operation of the facility will generate increased trade volumes, resulting in enhanced job opportunities within the local community.
“We are committed to skills development and training initiatives, including our learnership programmes, which will further benefit local residents as a result of the shipping and logistics activities associated with our operations,” Botha added.
Anyone who objects to this application may send their objections within 14 days from the date of publication of the notice. Those who object are required to send their names, contact details, addresses and the grounds of their objections to Santosh Hansraj on 031 311 5150 or email Santosh.Hansraj@durban.gov.za
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