The DA in Ekurhuleni Concerned About The Environmental Impact of Fuel Theft From Transnet Pipelines

By Cllr. Jill Humphreys — DA Member of the Environment and Waste Management Services Oversight Committee

Date: 12 August 2022

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The Democratic Alliance in Ekurhuleni is extremely concerned by the repeated damage that is incurred due to the on-going theft of fuel from Transnet pipelines. The actions of these perpetrators not only has a massive cost implication to Transnet for the rehabilitation of the line, but the damage to the environment during these episodes is colossal.

Ground water is a precious resource, it must be kept safe and pure at all costs. Our wetlands, waterways, grasslands and biodiversity are severely threatened by this ongoing scourge. We simply cannot allow the actions of criminals to pollute our environment.

Further, the DA calls on Gauteng Department of Water and Sanitation to be cautious when conducting ground water testing. This is due to the fuel being deep in the ground and any accident could possibly lead to our ground water being contaminated.

This fuel is for all of Gauteng and should these lines be rendered unserviceable, the damage to the economy is inestimable; therefore we would like to encourage our residents to be on the lookout for such crimes and they should immediately report them to the authorities should they see any suspicious activity.

Cllr. Jill Humphreys

DA Member of the Environment and Waste Management Services Oversight Committee

082 450 0128