DA calls on Minister Creecy to institute investigations into KZN explosions

9 December 2020

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy, to institute an urgent investigation into the explosions in KwaZulu-Natal in the space of five days.

Yesterday saw an explosion and fire at Zetha Chemicals in New Germany which resulted in 13 people being seriously injured. This follows an explosion which occurred at the Engen Oil Refinery in the South Durban Basin last week.

These explosions may have just been a coincidence, but it raises serious concerns around environmental safety and security and should be investigated.

On Tuesday, Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Forestry and Fisheries received a briefing from Engen and the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries regarding the catastrophic explosion on 4 December 2020 at the Engen refinery. The explosion has caused severe damage to the surrounding community in the South Durban Basin and caused great distress to local residents. Many residents have been displaced and their homes have been damaged.

Issues at the refinery have been ongoing for many years and it is essential that the Minister take urgent action now to address the ongoing impacts resulting from the explosion. It is important to note that there are long-standing concerns relating to alleged pollution from the refinery and the negative impact on the health of residents has been observed. There is clear evidence that the relationship between the eThekwini Mayor and the community has broken down completely. Local NGOs are struggling to get any tangible cooperation from the local municipality and are desperate to have their voices heard.

The DA appeals to Minister Creecy to step in urgently to investigate these explosions to ensure accountability and to prevent any further explosion which may place communities at risk.

Issued by Dave Bryant, DA Shadow Minister of Environment, Forestry & Fisheries, 9 December 2020