The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu Natal has today written to the Chairperson of the Joint Operations Committee for the United Phosphorus Limited (UPL) disaster, Sabelo Ngcobo, as a result of the continued limiting of information regarding the disaster, which took place during the week of unrest last month.

Having been at the coal face from the very first day of the UPL fire, the DA not only raised the alarm bells of noncooperation from local and provincial authorities but spearheaded the urgent communication to surrounding residents, hotels and various sporting organisations, warning of a potentially catastrophic incident unfolding. The DA’s regular messages led to the closure of the beaches and the Umhlanga Lagoon, and reluctant intervention from government authorities.

In the ensuing weeks, it became clear that important information required from the authorities and UPL was not going to be forthcoming, which has since led to a breakdown in trust between affected residents, businesses, hotels, tourism associations, neighbouring schools and users of the beach and lagoon areas.

It further beggars belief that UPL were directed to conduct their own sampling test as to what levels of toxins entered the lagoon and ocean, and that no governmental or independent authority did their own sampling.

In the interest of public health and safety, as well as the tourism and hospitality industry which is haemorrhaging visitors due to beach closures, the DA has consulted with relevant and legal stakeholders as to what answers are now of a very urgent nature.

Against this backdrop, the DA has prepared a list of questions that have been served on Sabelo Ngcobo, a Provincial Government official, and the chair of the Joint Operations Committee that was set up to investigate, direct and communicate updates on the UPL disaster.

We believe that the public has a right to see the dated original manifesto which listed the UPL chemicals and pesticides that were stored by them, as well as what water tests were called for, along the original test results after the fire.

This prolonged evasiveness forms the backbone of why the DA is forcing Mr Sabelo to provide answers to the 17 urgent questions now sent to him.

Depending on his answers or lack of answers, we will then consult stakeholders on the way forward.

 

Issued by The DA