The Assmang company in Cato Ridge near Durban has been instructed to demolish a hostel on its premises because of risks the inhabitants face from poisonous manganese dust, the Mercury newspaper reported on Tuesday.
Mark Jardine, acting director of the environmental affairs department’s enforcement branch, told the company the hostel workers should be moved urgently. The department had written to the company expressing concern that employees living in the hostel were being exposed to manganese dust. The hostel houses about 150 people.
Assmang had, however, asked for a one-year reprieve to find alternative accommodation for the workers.
Assmang currently faces a formal inquiry after several employees were allegedly exposed to manganese dust and fumes, resulting in illnesses. — Sapa