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The DA in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality calls on the National Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Barbara Greecy, to launch an urgent investigation into the cause of a fire at the Lichtenburg Waste Tyre Depot.

The investigation must reveal whether the owners complied with the provisions and regulations of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, specifically with regards to its licencing and compliance with the regulations pertaining to the preventative measures required on storage and fire prevention.

If any violations are found, responsible persons should face prosecution. Experts and resources should also be made available to limit the degradation of the area, and once the fire has been extinguished, rehabilitation should follow.

The tyres caught fire yesterday afternoon, and spread, releasing a noxious thick black smoke that puts nearby residents and the environment at risk.

Burning tyres release a host of harmful chemicals like cyanide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, styrene, and butadiene. All cancer-causing pollutants that could affect residents and the environment through the pollution of freshwater sources and animal grazing.

Although community members and the fire departments from surrounding municipalities responded to the emergency call, they were unable to extinguish the fire because they only had access to water and not the required Fireblock and could only contain it.

The DA has previously raised concerns over the waste tyre dumping grounds, both in the North West Provincial Legislature and the National Council of Provinces in Parliament. Now that fire has engulfed the dumping grounds, perhaps the government will finally take the required action.

Issued by Jacqueline Theologo MPL - DA Constituency Head, Ditsobotla Local Municipality