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The theft of a pipeline has caused an oil spill in the Bellair area of Durban, affecting the Umbilo River. The river flows into the port of Durban.
The theft of a pipeline has caused an oil spill in the Bellair area of Durban, affecting the Umbilo River.
The river flows into the port of Durban.
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The scope of the environmental impact will be evaluated by the MEC of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
“I have assigned a team of environmentalists from my department to work with Transnet following a pipeline theft incident that resulted in the crude oil spill,” said Dube-Ncube.
“We are working with all stakeholders to implement spill containment measures to prevent damage to the environment.”
Transnet operates and maintains a 3,800 km network of high-pressure oil and gas pipelines from Durban to Gauteng, spanning five provinces.
They have recorded more than 80 incidents of fuel theft and attempted theft.
They have also recorded cases of pipeline infrastructure tampering with the intention of stealing fuel, Dube-Ncube said.
“We call on communities to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for vandalizing the Transnet pipelines are brought to account.”
Cleanup operations will include the source of the spill as well as the port.
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