Chemical spill into Ngagane River, Newcastle – Kwa Zulu Natal

17 Feb 2012

The Department of Water Affairs (DWA) has taken swift action following a deadly chemical spillage into the Ngagane River in Newcastle in Northern Kwa Zulu Natal. A team from the Department was dispatched to the area when reports of the incident were received yesterday.

The spillage of high concentrations of Cyanide from a synthetic rubber manufacturing company, has allegedly polluted the nearby Karbochem spruit, a tributary to Ingagane River. Consequently, a number of cows drinking from the river have died.

During the site inspection by DWA officials, chlorine powder was discovered around the sampling points which is believed to have been used to try to drop the high concentration levels of cyanide in the stream.

In addition the department is working closely with the water service authority UThukela Water that provided drinking water to Amajuba District municipality in Newcastle. The drinking water (tap water) has not been affected. However local authorities have issued warnings to communities not to consume water from the river until the matter has been resolved, in addition animals should also be kept away from the area.

The Department is awaiting results from the samples taken while further  sampling is also taking place at various points currently. An urgent meeting is currently taking place between DWA and local disaster management structures. DWA also wishes to issue a stern warning to companies who break the law and endanger lives, that tough action will be taken against them.

Enquiries: 
Linda Page
Tel: 012 3368250
Cell: 083 4604482

Themba Khumalo
Tel: 012 336 8270
Cell: 082 802 3432

Issued by: Department of Water Affairs 
17 Feb 2012

Weather Awareness Road Show in communities

Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi embarks on Weather Awareness Road Show in communities

10 Feb 2012

The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi together with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) will from 13 to 14 February 2012 embark on a Weather Awareness Road Show in Duduza, Ekurhuleni and Evaton, Emfuleni Municipality, respectively. The theme for this road show is, "power our future with weather, climate and water".

On 2 October 2011 an F2 tornado struck the community of Duduza, leading to severe damage to property and one loss of life, while earlier in 2011, in the Eastern Cape, lightning killed several people, while snow caused huge discomfort in the area. KwaZulu-Natal also experienced deaths brought about by lightning, as well as serious flooding.

The government has elevated the priority in dealing with weather related hazards and in response to that SAWS in 2010 reviewed the early warning system in collaboration with Department of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs. 

As disaster preparedness is important in the case of severe weather events, the South African Weather Service in cooperation with disaster management, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and municipalities are reaching out to affected communities through a public awareness drive that will educate the public and empower them with the ability to act in an appropriate manner.

The Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Mr Mondli Gungubele and Mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality Ms Greta Hlongwane will join the Deputy Minister during the road show.

Media is invited to attend the road show as follows:

Day one

Date: Monday, 13 February 2012
Venue: Duduza Multipurpose Community Centre
Time: 10h00 

Day two

Date: Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Venue: Evaton Fire Station
Time: 9h00

For RSVP and media enquiries:
Peter Mbelengwa 
Cell: 082 611 8197
E-mail: mbelengwap@dwa.gov.za

Kenosi Machepa
Tel: 012 367 6075 
Cell: 083 259 7223
E-mail: kenosi.machepa@weathersa.co.za

Issued by: Department of Water Affairs 
10 Feb 2012

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