Merewent residents protest over polluted air

RESIDENTS from Merebank and Wentworth joined the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) to picket and hand over a memorandum to eThekwini’s Department of Health to address concerns of the impact of toxic gases omitted into the air.

Facing health problems associated with the dumping of toxic waste into communities over the industrial fence-line of the Merewent area, residents claim that they are tired of their concerns not being addressed, while their health suffers.

The picket outside the offices of the Department of Health in Durban gained the support of elderly, youth, learners from schools in the south Durban area, as well as community leaders and members of the Merebank Alliance of Organisations.

SDCEA’s energy and Just Transition project officer, Kershni Ramreddi, said the toxic omissions were directly impacting residents in Wentworth; mainly Woodville Road, Major Calvert, Hime, Assegai and Austerville roads, as well as parts of Merebank.

“Furthermore, once the wind picks up, gasses were carried as far as Amanzimtoti, Durban North, Umbilo, Yellowwood Park, Merebank, Bluff, Isipingo and many other areas.

ALSO READ: Residents affected by gas leak in Wentworth 

“A memorandum was handed to Rosemary Van Heerden, the head of management at the Department of Health in Durban. Community members came together to express their frustrations as this has been an ongoing struggle for many years with no change. People have become exhausted from the petro-chemical and chemical industries that continue to emit toxic gases into the neighbouring fence-line communities.

“We, as an organization, have consistently warned the city officials that an emergency plan is urgently required in south Durban and there needs to be a consistent maintenance plan. From our research, it can be concluded that major chemical incidents and the stench of sewerage is a common and reoccurring fact.

“All stakeholders need to be prepared and have clear plans and responsibilities to prevent a major human health disaster, which will happen if there is no clear plan,” said Ramreddi.
Speaking about the most recent gas leak which affected over 400 residents in Wentworth, Ramdreddi said that even though the incident occurred in January, people were still sick from the effects of inhaling the gasses that leaked into the air.
“During that incident, the company allegedly responsible for the leak did not take any air samples when they were notified, nor did they test the air during the period after, when the smell was still prevalent in some places for some time.

ALSO READ: Committee formed to address health problems related to dangerous gas leak

“Many companies and chemical industries in the vicinity of the Merewent community continuously violate their permit conditions of the local by-laws.
“There is a great lack of transparency over incidents concerning toxic chemicals and gases emanating from these companies.
Over 400 residents had experienced burning of eyes and mouth, nausea, bleeding noses, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, rashes on the skin, vomiting, headaches and dizziness and some are still feeling the effects of the toxins which leaked into the air in January. This situation needs urgent attention,” Ramreddi added.

Residents are hoping that their concerns will be taken seriously and that the Department of Health will step in to ensure that their health concerns are addresses.
Feedback is expected in two weeks.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.