All operations at Mobeni plant under control: Safripol Durban
Management at Safripol Durban says, while investigations are under way to establish the cause of Friday’s incident at the resin and fibre factory, it wants to reassure communities that all operations at the plant are under control.
A gas leak triggered an environmental scare with hundreds of people living near the Mobeni complex in Hime Street, south of Durban complaining of headaches, burning eyes and nausea.
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One resident said a strong chemical odour could be smelt for hours.In a statement, Safripol, says dowtherm vapour, a medium used for process heating, escaped the plant when workers were busy with a maintenance operation on one of the burner systems.
Meanwhile, the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance's Desmond D'Sa says the affected communities deserve answers.
"We are going to ensure that they are held accountable for all the chemicals that made it into homes. Two other parts of the plant are operating. As such, we have called on the Health Department to issue a notice and shut it down."
Thick plumes of white smoke were seen billowing from the site. The company confirmed that there was no fire, as had been reported earlier.
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Safripol says it has set up a mobile clinic for residents should they need treatment.Meanwhile, the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance's Desmond D'Sa says the affected communities deserve answers.
"We are going to ensure that they are held accountable for all the chemicals that made it into homes. Two other parts of the plant are operating. As such, we have called on the Health Department to issue a notice and shut it down."
