Amanzimnyama River oil, chemical and sewage spill prompts environmental investigation

THE South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) received numerous complaints, via Facebook, phone calls and emails about a massive oil leak near the Bluff Yacht Club on Sunday afternoon, 30 August.

Residents of the Bluff, led by Bluff Ratepayers Association Chairperson, Ivor Aylward, accompanied members of SDCEA, Green Scorpions, Transnet and eThekwini Municipality Water Department around the incident path in the Amanzimnyama River that runs all along the vicinity of Teakwood and Jacobs roads and Clairwood.

“This massive incident was compounded further by recent rains that pushed the oil down to the mangroves on either side of the harbor. All the mangrove trees are covered with oil and the sand bank nursery of bird life and to a large variety of fish, crab, shrimp, and mollusks species has been destroyed because of this incident. A number of birds had oil on their legs and feathers. These fish nurseries play an essential source for food for thousands of communities; it also stabilizes the coastline and prevents erosion from waves and storms. This has caused negative environmental impacts destroying vegetation and marine life,” said SDCEA coordinator, Desmond D’sa.

According to SDCEA the Amanzimnyama canal has been a dumping river for surrounding industries and sewerage waste. The informal settlers who live on the river banks have not been provided with sanitation facilities hence contributing to the sewage problems experienced.

“There are many companies who’s operations face the river and some have drain outlets that enter the river. At this stage the most likely source has not yet been identified and most companies take advantage by dumping oil waste and other chemical substances either at night or during the weekends knowing well that no one will hold them accountable because no monitoring is done by authorities,” said D’sa.

He stated that team had walked the entire area to carry out a thorough investigation and taking samples of the sludge and oil at various points. This joint investigation has been done so no area is left untouched and a proper investigation of the company including any illegal activities is captured.

“We hope that the evidence gathered will lead to the culprit company or companies being found out and brought before a court of law to be prosecuted. These companies need to clean up their mess and have to be held accountable.

“With all that has taken place we have seen immediate action from Transnet in getting the booms installed last week across the harbour to avoid further damage and here we recognize the Port of Durban manager and his officials who acted immediately in appointing a waste management company to attend to the matter. It shows when you have active citizens and government official’s working together, it makes a huge difference because you get swift action and the problem is identified,” said D’sa.  

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