Transnet fuel pipeline thefts have exceeded 70 in the past year. One of these incidents occurred last Wednesday near Harrismith, Free State. Thieves stole thousands of litres from the pipeline.
However, the valve was not shut off and thousands more litres diesel were spilt by the thieves. The diesel ran down approximately 300m to Meul River, contaminating surrounding areas.
Just 20km from my house, millions of litres diesel are leaking into the pristine highlands due to theft damage to the pipeline. pic.twitter.com/ggjmmxsChV
is L (@chrischameleon) March 10, 2022
The incident occurred About 15 km north of Harrismith, near Verkykerskop
Albi Modise, spokesperson for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, told Daily Maverick The hydraulic jack was used to lift the valve, causing the diesel spillage.
Modise stated that the product entered the Meul Rivier. The product has the potential to pollute water resources, downstream water users, and aquatic life.
The pipeline was temporarily shut off to reduce the pressure, while the block valve was being drained into tanks to prevent any further spillages and conduct repairs.
Around 6,000 square meters of land and vegetation were affected by the block valve. Diesel also escaped into the Meul Rivier.
Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo told Daily MaverickTransnets’ tactical team discovered that the top of the valve had been opened with large wooden blocks.
No one was present at the crime scene and no suspects were arrested. Hawks’ report stated that it was impossible to determine the value of the diesel.
Jan van Niekerk, a farmer located 25km from the diesel spillage, said Daily Maverick Although thefts of pipelines are common in the area, they are not a common occurrence.
I’m sure they always shut the valve back up to prevent any spillage. I believe something went wrong.
He said, [environmental impact]The contamination of the Meul River and Wilge Rivers, which they run into, is very, very serious. It will also affect livestock that drink the water. Farmers living near the Meul River have moved their livestock from the river.
Van Niekerk stated on Wednesday morning that he had just driven past the spot. [The diesel is]Because the ground is contaminated, it is still leaking from beneath the ground. It is still leaking into rivers, but it is now underground.
Costs and incidents from the past
Pravin Gordhan, Minister for Public Enterprises, was inaugurated as Minister in April 2021. revealedThis is Transnet took 11.9 Million litres of fuel from Transnet in 2019/2020. This figure was calculated using the then-current fuel price.
This was due to 143 thefts and 38 attempted thefts.
In the 2020/2021 fiscal year, there were 134 thefts, which resulted in a loss totaling 8.5 million litres fuel at R102-million.
A recent spike
Transnet spokesperson Saret KnoetzeAccording to the report, there were 77 reported thefts in the current financial year. However, earlier in the year thefts were a little more common.
Our tactical response teams and security teams then changed their tactical response plans and methodology. We were able to reduce incidents.
However, we have noticed an increase in incidents in the past week. We need to adjust our plans accordingly.
Knoetze We stated that while the fuel in the pipeline is pure, we warn motorists and retailers not to buy fuel from illegal traders. After it leaves the pipeline, you don’t know what kind of fuel you’ll get.
We were not responsible for the spillage. [near Harrismith]It was thieves who tampered with the pipeline. We take full responsibility for ensuring that the entire area that has been contaminated is returned to its original state before the incident. Knoetze.
Transnet is collaborating with the DFFE and Department of Water and Sanitation and has contracted Spilltech for measures to contain and prevent diesel from entering the River.
This is a huge environmental problem. Koetze.
She said that Transnet had placed containment measures in the Meul River, and taken preventative steps further down where it flows into Wilge River and into Vaal Dam.
We have a rehabilitation plan in place to ensure that it is cleared. It will be exactly the same as before when it is handed back to us.
Danie Visagie, a farmer from the area, stated that they are concerned about the environment because they are farmers. However, we are impressed by the efforts of Transnet and Spilltech, and at this stage it is just a waiting game.
Health impact
Tom van Rensburg (the Freedom Front Plus councillor to Mafube), told Daily MaverickOn Monday, he began to receive complaints from his community about diesel-smelling water.
The first [complainant]was a pastor and he stated that morning [when]He took a shower and could smell diesel or paraffin in his water.
Van Rensburg explained that there’s an intake tower at Wilge River which takes the raw water to a water treatment facility where it is treated and pumped into reservoirs.
Josie Ralebenya (municipal manager of Mafube) stated Wednesday: [of tests]It has been shown that there is no diesel contamination in the water. Therefore, it is safe for use.
We have cleaned and started pumping water. Water will be available as soon as tomorrow morning. DM
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