Noxious petrol smell plagues Durban’s Bluff
The residents' main concerns relate to the potential impact on their health as well as the environmental impact
A STRONG petrol smell which has left some Bluff residents nauseated and suffering from extreme headaches, now has them seeking answers as to the cause and solution to the foul-smelling situation.
Tambotie Road resident Rakesh Sewparsadh told the Sun that for the past three weeks, the strong fumes of petrol have been emanating from stormwater drains in the streets. “I have suffered from severe headaches and feeling drowsy,” he said.
Following up on his concern, he contacted the local refineries whose subterranean pipelines run the length of the Bluff to the harbour. Engen Refinery sent out a safety officer to check if there was a leak. “Their swift reaction showed they were concerned about a petrol leak, especially since there was one years ago. The Engen response team went up the road all the way to Munster Road, where they picked up the smell,” added Sewparsadh.
Another resident said she battles to breathe when the stench intensifies.
“I would like the source of this smell or possible leak to be found and rectified, and I suggest all roleplayers including city health become involved in resolving this,” she said.
READ: Send South Durban air pollution complaints to watchdog SDCEA
The residents’ main concerns relate to the potential impact on their health as well as the environmental impact as a result of whatever has caused the smell. “There used to be a lot of birds, frogs and monkeys but since the strong petrol odour, they have disappeared.
When nature can’t even stand the pollution, how are we suppose to live with it?” questioned Sewparsadh.
Gavin Smith, Engen’s group communications manager said the Tara Road refinery was notified about a petrol odour emanating from stormwater drains in Tambotie Road last week and immediately investigated. “The integrity of our pipes near the drain was checked and pressure tested from Thursday, 14 June until Wednesday, 20 June. Engen can confirm that there are no leaks from any of our pipes in the vicinity,” he said.
Attempts to elicit comment about the noxious smell from Sapref Refinery, which also operates an underground pipeline from its Isipingo facility to the harbour through the Bluff, confirmed that their environmental department will investigate further.
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