New Germany company denies responsibility for Aller stream ’spill’
Waste management service Dilex Purification has denied claims that it was responsible for the discharge of untreated trade effluent into the Aller stream.
The stream flows into the Umgeni River and has led to a strong stench hanging over the area.
The company, based in New Germany in Pinetown, said that contrary to the city’s claims, the spillage was not caused by them but by a broken municipal sewer line.
In a statement, the company said the discharge of untreated trade effluent did not cause the alleged chemical spill.
“The cause of the discharge was a result of a break in the municipal sewer line, which carries effluent from large companies situated within New Germany Industrial Park,” it said.
Dilex said it immediately informed local and municipal authorities when the discharge became known.
“Upon further investigation and physical inspection by the municipal sanitation unit, it was revealed that the sewer line was indeed broken and damaged,” the statement continued.
“Upon enquiry as to the extent of the odour, our client was informed by the Municipal Sanitation Unit that there was indeed a break in the sewer line, which was known. However, the same was not attended to.”
In response to a query sent by Newswatch on Wednesday, the city said laboratory results indicated traces of Turpentine, Ethyl Benzene, Toluene and Xylene in the river.
“The appropriate cause of action will be communicated directly with the parties concerned to address the situation,” spokesperson Gugu Silana added.
"The infrastructure-related issues are also being attended to by the Sanitation Unit, and remedial work will commence once all processes are complete. The relevant units continue to monitor the situation to ensure the health and safety of residents as well as marine life.”
The company said it contacted community leaders and residents to gather feedback on the effectiveness of the cleaning company’s intervention. It further refrained from discharging any effluent chemical down the broken pipeline until it had been fully repaired.
*This article was updated on 29 August to reflect the latest statement from the City of eThekwini.
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