eThekwini, UPL in spat over reopening of Durban north beaches

The company's factory in Cornubia was set alight by looters in July - resulting in a major chemical spill into Durban's rivers and the sea.

UPL has questioned why the beaches that were closed are still shut, despite a report it submitted to authorities in which specialists it appointed recommended that the reopening of beaches saying they are safe.

UPL's Japhet Ncube says their legal team has written to the Department of Environmental Affairs about the delay asking it to expedite the process.

"The independent specialists also provided more details on the chemical analysis and results and they answered all the questions that were asked by the independent reviewer.

"The team also provided information on the extensive cleanup operation that we have funded so far to the tune of R250 million. UPL believes that all necessary information has been supplied in order for authorities to determine that the beaches are safe to be reopened and remain committed to be working with government."

But eThekwini's Msawakhe Mayisela says calls by the company for the opening of beaches to be speeded up are disappointing.

"We actually suspect that UPL is trying to divorce itself from all what has happened and we want to state it categorically that as the City we are not deriving any joy from this current state of affairs.

"We are appealing to the public to bear with us and be mindful of the fact that as this sphere of government we have got a responsibility of guarding against anything that my pose a threat to the welfare of our residents and our tourists." 

Mayisela says they are waiting for feedback from international experts who are peer-reviewing the report.

He says only then will the city decide whether or not to reopen beaches.

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