N12 spillage exposes residents to toxic smell

EMALAHLENI – MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Vusi Shongwe, is dismayed that lives of  residents were placed at risk after they were exposed to the highly toxic ammonia smell.

This is after ammonia started spilling from a truck which was involved in an accident with other vehicles on the N12 on Monday morning. 

After the collision, the ammonia started leaking onto the road and some of it found its way into the drainage system which is connected to households.

READ: Three trucks collide on N12 Road leading to ammonia spillage on road

Upon receiving an alert about the spillage which has potential of causing disastrous consequences for humans and environment, Shongwe dispatched a team of officials to the scene.

“We will wait for the company which owns the truck to formally report to government within the prescribed time frame, with detailed information on the incident and litres of ammonia that have spilled. “

Officials were also sent to the scene to establish facts in ensuring that the company contains the spillage to the receiving environment in terms of section 30 of the National Environmental Management Act ( Act 107 of 1998)

“As a department, we are particularly worried about the negative effects posed by Ammonia to the environment and human beings,” said Shongwe.

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According to available scientific text, when excessive amounts of ammonia enters the human central nervous system, the brain defences become severely compromised.

Shongwe emphasized the importance of trucking companies which transport hazardous materials to first seek authorisation and to keep to tight safety precautions.

The department, together with the national department and Local municipality, will continue to monitor the containment until there’s is satisfactory proof that the spillage is contained.