South Africa, Durban

Communities living between two petrochemical plants suffer from medical conditions linked to the pollution and struggle finding employment because of poor health.

Overview

South Africa, Durban

The communities of South Durban live in some of the most heavily air polluted areas in Southern Africa. Home to two large petrochemical refineries, local communities suffer from racist zoning strategies that date from the apartheid government. South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) works to fight for environmental justice for the vulnerable communities in this area. Air quality monitoring is performed by the SDCEA, in order to have independent data on the air pollution in the community. The community suffers from high levels of asthma, severe chest pain, cancer and leukemia, due to the industries in the area.

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Community Stories

South Africa, Durban

SAPREF

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Petroleum pipeline near the SAPREF plant.

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Bongani MthemAbu

Air Quality, GIS and Youth Development Officer South Durban, Shows the SAPREF oil refinery and the negative impact it has on local communities.

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Community playground by the SAPREF plant.

South Africa, Durban

Residents

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Desiree Bishop

Wentworth Community Resident and member of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance volunteering Committee

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Bongani Mthembu

Air Quality, GIS and Youth Development Officer, South Durban Community Environmental Alliance - Receiving calls on the hotline for residents.

South Africa, Durban

ENGEN

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Explosion at the Engen Oil Refinery in Wentworth, Durban, which left at least seven people injured on 04 December 2020.

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Bongani Mthembu

Air Quality, GIS and Youth Development Officer, South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, describes the lack of relations between the Engen Refinery and the local community.

South Africa, Durban

Air Monitoring

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Air monitoring within a local primary school.

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Bongani Mthembu

Air Quality, GIS and Youth Development Officer - South Durban Community Environmental Alliance - Preparing to take an air sample and have it tested for pollutants.