Merebank residents welcome cleaner air but fear risks from Engen storage terminal - IOL

The dismantling of large structures such as stacks, tanks, columns and associated equipment at the former Engen Refinery ahead of its conversion to a storage terminal.

Six years after a fire forced the Engen refinery in Merewent to close its doors, residents have expressed a mixed sense of relief and anxiety. While the shutdown brought a welcome reduction in pollution and noise, concerns linger as the facility transitions into a storage terminal. 

The refinery has been closed since December 2020, after an explosion resulting in a fire injured multiple people living nearby. Residential property was also damaged. 

Engen subsequently announced it would convert the refinery into a storage terminal, following an extensive strategic evaluation of its refining business. 

It said every facet of the refinery was scrutinised and assessed against market demand, future growth potential, and the ability to contribute sustainably, and that the conversion from a refinery to a terminal was part of a long-term business sustainability strategy. This, said Engen, would ensure it was resilient against future market threats and could respond with agility to new opportunities.

However, a video showing the demolition of a refinery stack circulated on WhatsApp groups, prompting renewed questions from Merebank residents about the work taking place behind the facility's gates.

A video screen grab of the demolition of a stack at the former Engen Refinery.

Victor Kupsamy, a resident and spokesperson for the Merebank Alliance Forum, said there was a significant decrease in pollution, especially noise from the flame flaring that occurred at night, which disturbed residents’ sleep. But his current concerns included an influx of trucks and tankers on the roads following the conversion. 

“Tara and Basil February roads, which are currently used by these trucks and tankers, are also used by many residents. There are concerns about collisions as well as possible spills, which can also cause accidents. Pedestrians’ lives are also at risk” 

Kupsamy said there were also concerns about the quantity of product that would be stored and what would happen if there was an explosion. 

He claimed Engen had not informed the community about current activity on the site. 

“All we ask is that they listen to the community’s concerns before making further decisions. We should be given the chance to give our input as it also affects our lives.” 

Raven Naidoo, a resident, said previously that gases and fumes associated with the refining process had concerned surrounding communities, particularly regarding respiratory problems, and the possibility of an explosion. With the conversion to a terminal, he said residents should receive timely and consistent information about activities taking place at the facility. 

Like Kupsamy, Naidoo is concerned about the transportation of fuel products.

“If they maintain strict control over the transportation of fuel and impose stringent safety requirements on all companies transporting these products through our communities, I believe the risk of accidents and fuel spillages can be reduced. There can be no compromise when it comes to the safety of the surrounding communities.” 

He said the future of the site should not only be about its commercial operation but also about ensuring the surrounding communities benefit through employment, meaningful community investment, environmental responsibility and continued engagement.

The Engen Refinery while it was still operational.

Resident Loshnee Govender was glad she could no longer get the stench of  “rotten eggs” in the air. 

“We really struggled to breathe, and many people complained about how the smell affected them, especially those with asthma. While we are happy the refinery was shut down, any highly flammable or toxic products being kept in such close proximity to residents is a concern.” 

Desmond D'Sa, co-ordinator of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), said since the refinery closed, residents have reported improvements in air quality and clearer skies but claimed the environmental and health concerns had not disappeared.

D’Sa said there were, however, still concerns about the potential impact of industrial activity on surrounding residential communities. 

“Hazardous trucks can increase the risk to the residential neighbourhood, which is right across the road. The increased storage of petrol and other petroleum products will increase the emission of benzene, which is a highly volatile chemical that has the potential of killing many people who live in nearby homes.

“Furthermore, there is a total lack of respect for the residents of South Durban, as the communication is dismal. They also take strong leaders for granted and have ignored strong submissions we made, which called for change that improves lives. I believe the terminal should be built away from densified residential areas.” 

Samantha Walt, the media and communications consultant for Engen Vivo Energy, said following the decommissioning of the refinery’s manufacturing equipment, Engen was currently undertaking the safe dismantling and demolition of equipment and infrastructure previously used in the refinery manufacturing process.

She said this phase of the project commenced in April 2025 and was progressing “safely and according to plan”. 

“The dismantling of large structures such as stacks, tanks, columns and associated equipment is a complex undertaking. Engen conducted a comprehensive review of demolition methodologies and put mitigations in place to minimise the impact. 

“Engen remains committed to conducting these activities safely and responsibly while minimising disruption to our stakeholders, employees and surrounding communities. Please be assured that safety remains our highest priority,” she said.

For any questions, concerns or further information, email [email protected] or call the Engen Call Centre at 086 003 6436.