MEC calls for swift probe into province’s fires
KWAZULU-NATAL’S MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa DubeNcube has raised the possibility of criminal prosecution in the wake of two weekend fires.
She said the blazes – at a Cato Ridge chemical firm, Guernica Chemicals, formerly known as Thor Chemicals, and at a Pietermaritzburg landfill site – harmed the environment and posed threats to public health.
She called for speedy investigations.
“We wish to welcome the criminal investigation under way at the Cato Ridge company,” she said.
“Just a couple of weeks back, we were dealing with an oil spillage into our water resources, and a fire from a chemical company in the South Durban Basin. If these incidents are man-made, we shall deal decisively with such transgressions,” she said.
“We will also enforce the recommendations of the recent Climate Change Summit.”
It was the prevalence of these incidents that concerned them most, Dube-Ncube said.
“Surely, somebody somewhere is dropping the ball. The issues of safety and environmental safety are non-negotiable and every care should be taken to ensure safety first, minimise damage and mitigate damage to the environment.”
The chemical fire scene had been secured as forensic investigations were about to start. The fire department remained there because of inflammable chemicals at the site.
On the fire at Msunduzi Municipality’s New England Landfill Site on Sunday, Dube-Ncube said her department’s environmental unit inspected the area on Monday and would submit a report to determine the next course of action.
In a statement yesterday, the department revealed that management of this landfill had deteriorated over the years.
“Among other things, this has led to problems like occasional fires, killings among the recyclers who dwell on site, and failures by the municipality to continuously compact the waste,” the department said.
“According to the licence, no recyclers are allowed on the site.”
The department had previously issued the municipality with a compliance notice, directing them to correct the situation.
“The notices seemed to work partially but the problems persists,” it said. “According to National Environmental Management Act, the next step should be criminal enforcement. Engagement are continuing with the municipality as there is a chance these can be resolved.”