Engen partners with community to assist Block 10 residents
Seven months after the devastating blast from the Tara Road-based refinery, the company said it has now stepped up with financial assistance to support the families to enable them to refurbish their homes.
RESIDENTS of Block 10 Weist Road, Wentworth, can finally breathe a sigh of relief following Engen’s agreement with the community.
The petroleum company said it has offered a hand of support to those affected in the residential apartment block.
In a statement, it said this was its response to the community in need, as it has reached an agreement to collaborate with community leaders to “extended much-needed support to the six affected families”.
Seven months after the devastating blast from the Tara Road-based refinery, the company said it has now stepped up with financial assistance to support the families to enable them to refurbish their homes.
Head of Engen Refinery, Sykry Hassim said, “As a responsible and caring corporate citizen, and an invested partner in the South Durban community, Engen is passionate about making a positive social difference, which is why we stepped in to help these families rebuild their homes and their lives.”
“This forms part of our broad commitment to the residents of Durban South as an active partner in the community.”
A community leader from the Merewent Community Crime Prevention Association, Pastor David Usher, thanked the company and the rest of the delegation for coming together for the needs of the community.
“Conditions such as these can be challenging, but I’m happy to say that what was on display during our deliberations was empathy and the recognition of our shared humanity.”
“Their quick action and responsiveness, specifically in providing temporary housing to the affected families gave them a sense of security and spoke volumes of the kind of relationship we want going forward,” he said.
Environmental Activist and co-ordinator of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, Dr Desmond D’sa said while the process took longer than expected, they are pleased that the company has stepped forward to provide support to the community.
“We appreciate the support of the provincial government and the MECs office of environmental affairs and the independent facilitator in helping us all work towards a common understanding. Though it’s taken time, Engen must be commended for coming to the party and putting the rights of the fenceline community first,” he said.
A community leader from the Ausbluff Business Forum, David Koster, added that everything is well and the affected residents from Block 10 are happy.
“We are committed to Durban South and contributing to initiatives focused on uplifting the community is one of our key purposes. We now regularly hold engagements with local community leaders and representatives of the surrounding communities aimed at co-creating sustainable initiatives for the benefit of all involved. We are also excited about the future of our repurposed refinery efforts and what it will mean for opportunities and economic growth in the South Durban Basin,” Hassim added.
The oil company further stated that on the day of the blast on Friday, December 4, they had no reports of local injuries reported. According to information provided after the event, it said, a local doctor voluntarily offered a community service to support community members.
“The detailed medical information was only recently provided to Engen and we have consequently provided this information to the appointed insurance provider, who is currently assessing all information provided by the said doctor.”
Regarding small claims, it said an independent community facilitator is overseeing the process of addressing and settling the logged claims.
“Engen can confirm that 90% of cases have been fully concluded. We have had regular engagements with community leaders and keeping them abreast of the status of these claims.”
“It is however important to highlight some of the challenges related to the resolution of claims, which include deceased estates where executors have not been appointed, claiming for historical infrastructural issues, and obtaining documentation proving ownership of properties, amongst others.”
“Engen takes all legitimate stakeholder concerns seriously and remains committed to concluding all valid and legitimate claims through the office of the independent community facilitator.”
