Concerned Clairwood residents live in fear [LETTER]
The impact on human health is enormous with most people not aware of the toxic chemical cocktail they have been exposed to.
EDITOR – At 03:30 on Sunday morning, October 31, I was woken up by a series of explosions and when I looked out the window, I saw thick black smoke and bright belting orange flames.
All I could do was assume it’s in Clairwood at the time due to its close proximity to my residence. Being no stranger to the growing number of industrial fires that occur in the South Durban basin and the impact that emanate from these disasters.
The plume of thick black smoke moved west towards Umbilo, Glenwood and beyond, depending on the wind direction for a consistent 15 hours until the blaze was finally put out around 18:00.
As we know, fuel contains benzene, a known carcinogen (cancer causing chemical), will have long lasting health impacts on the surrounding communities as well as those who were affected by the plume of smoke.
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There was no immediate indication from city officials on how to prepare communities, especially where the plume had stretched over their homes. The city that claims to care hasn’t stepped up to off er residents any health care screenings after being exposed for 15 hours of toxins and, like always, in these situations, fails the people.
There has been no mention of the impacts on the river leading to the Durban Harbour, the remediation or the clean up activities that would follow this blaze. There is no concern for the environment, those who depend on the ocean for a livelihood or those who use the ocean for recreational purposes.
We would think that the UPL chemical blaze in Cornubia has opened our eyes to proceed with caution and plan better and do everything in our power to protect our water sources, but this is yet another incident and those responsible must be held accountable – the polluter pays principle must take effect to ensure remediation processes are carried out.
SHANICE FIRMIN
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