The eThekwini Municipality is appealing to members of the community to be vigilant and avoid any form of contact with water from the Umbilo River, until further notice.

This comes after contaminated water seeped into the Umbilo River through stormwater drains after a chemical warehouse caught fire two weeks ago.

The municipality says the stormwater drains have been sealed-off to prevent any more leakage. However, the already contaminated water in the river continues to move downstream towards the Durban habour.

Communities around the Westmead, Queensburgh, Northdene, Edwin Swales Road, Paradise Valley and other areas in close proximity to the Umbilo River are urged to be extra cautious and avoid any contact with the water.

“No fish or other aquatic life forms from the river should be consumed at this stage,” says Tozi Mthethwa municipality spokesperson.

Chemical warehouse fire

At approximately 18h00 on Saturday, 7 February 2015, a fire started at a chemical warehouse in Westmead, Pinetown that stores a variety of chemicals.

EThekwini Municipality’s Fire and Emergency Services Department went immediately on site to douse the flames.

Large volumes of water were used to extinguish the fire. The fire water mixed with chemicals that had been contained in drums on the site and entered the stormwater drains before they could be sealed off. According to the municipality this polluted water entered the Umbilo River and caused a lot of foam.

Officials comprising of the Municipality’s Water and Sanitation Unit, Health Unit, Fire and Emergency Services Department, National Department of Water and Sanitation and Environmental Affairs are monitoring the situation. Residents will be informed of any changes that may occur.