VIDEO: Oil infested canal prompts investigation
Chairman of the Bluff Rate Payers' Association, Ivor Aylward, has warned that if nothing is done consequences will be dire.
AN INFESTATION of oil and rubbish has prompted investigations into the cause of the pollution at Amanzimnyama canal.
This follows a tip-off from the chairman of the Bluff Rate Payers’ Association, Ivor Aylward, who was shocked at the amount of oil washing downstream.
He has called for the municipality to implement stricter measures to ensure that culprits responsible for the pollution are fined.
“This is going out to our sea, what is going to be left for our children one day? It is irresponsible behaviour by the public,” he said.
He alleged that oil is dumped in the canal as a way for companies to cut corners. He further warned that if nothing is done about this, the consequences will be dire.
“A lot of people have lost their jobs and companies are cutting down on dumping their used oil where they are supposed to. They’re now using the closest place they can find to dump it, this is information I was recently told.”
“But it is not called for, there are protocols and laws in place. It is absolutely disgusting that this behaviour is tolerated. These people should be fined a huge amount of money so that it never happens again because it will hit their pockets,” he added.
Apart from the hazardous implications the pollution has on marine life, it is accompanied by an unbearably foul stench.
Several motorists who drive past the canal on Solomon Mahlangu Drive have complained about it on social media. The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance’s air quality officer, Bongani Mthembu, said a thorough investigation is needed to provide the answers they seek.
“We visited the South Waste Water Treatment Works offices on Wednesday, 10 March to find out what is going on. They told us that they were aware of the sewage at the canal and would investigate the oil issue and where it comes from.”
“It can’t be from just one neighbouring oil factory even though they have access to the canal. There are also back yard mechanics who could also possibly be dumping their used oil because they too have access to the canal. A proper investigation will come up with the answers we seek,” he said.
The municipality’s spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela, said the city’s oil and trash traps adjacent to the weir were made to trap small volumes of oil and other pollutants.
“They are not designed to contain large volumes of oil spillages or illegal dumping. We are in the process of appointing a hazmat company to attend to the cleaning of the oil traps. We have also reported the matter to our Pollution Department to address the containment of the illegal oil in the canal.”
“We also urge residents and companies that contribute to the pollution to stop polluting our waters. This is detrimental to our environment. Those found responsible will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
***This article was updated to reflect the correct name of the canal.
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