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South Africa’s state pipeline operator said it is cleaning up a crude oil spill in the eastern city of Durban that was caused by an attempted fuel theft, a practice that has continued despite measures taken by the company.
The manipulation caused a spill on October 19 that polluted the uMbilo River and reached the port area when an emergency response team was deployed, said Transnet SOC Ltd, whose pipeline unit maintains 3,800 kilometers (2,360 miles) of oil and gas pipelines. high pressure. The company estimates that up to 60,000 liters of crude oil were leaked.
Transnet Pipelines has had more than 80 fuel theft incidents this financial year involving disruptions to infrastructure, the company said.
These crimes have a broad effect on business and the environment. In June, farmers blamed diesel theft for shortages and price increases that threatened food security.
Transnet has coordinated with law enforcement agencies, leading to arrests and seizures of vehicles and tankers.
Typically, thieves break into lock valve chambers or dig holes along the pipeline and weld a fitting before sending the fuel to tanker trucks, according to Transnet.
Failure of such accessories results in spills causing environmental damage and fires have also occurred.
Earlier this year, the company submitted an application for a fleet of drones with high-powered cameras, as well as security equipment using 4 × 4 vehicles, Business Insider reported, citing government bidding documents.
Repairs to the damaged pipeline were completed this week, avoiding supply delays, Transnet said.
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