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.