Environmental Affairs to act if negligence found: #DusiSpill
The Department of Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal says it will take action against the Willowton Group if negligence is found to have caused the mass chemical spill into the Msunduzi river in Pietermaritzburg.
The spill resulted in a massive fish kill and prompted officials to warn people to avoid drinking or coming into contact with the water. Fishing, washing clothes and dishes and canoeing are all off-limits.
NOW READ: Dusi river clean-up continues
Department spokesperson Nathi Oliphant says they are still waiting for the results of the investigation.He says there is a waiting period of 14 days.
"If it is found that there was any violation or negligence on the part of the [company] which lead to the environmental damage, we will take the necessary steps as guided by the National Environmental Act."
ALSO READ: KZN government working around the clock to address Dusi contamination
The company has assembled a team of environmental and river health specialists to focus on what happened.Willowton said in a statement that it is concerned and committed to dealing with the incident.
Meanwhile, Umgeni Water says water from Msunduzi and eThekwini taps remains safe to drink.
The utility says the area where oil and caustic soda entered the Inanda dam is some 18km away from its extraction point.
A spokesperson said earlier in the week that water is being tested two to three times a day.
