Engen the focal point of Fossil Fools day

Protesters laid floral wreaths signifying deaths in their community due to lung infections

Countries around the world observed Fossil "Fools" Day yesterday - which is an international day of protest focused on climate change and energy issues.

In Durban, petrol giant Engen became the focal point for residents who have long focused their anger at the refinery, holding it responsible for causing various lung diseases among the community.

The protesters laid floral wreaths signifying deaths in this community due to lung infections. Asthma has been one of the main problems here. The general prevalence rate of the lung disease worldwide is between 10% and 12% and this area has over five times the norm.

Solutions to pollution
Dennis Brutus an Environmental Activist says: “If Engen and other corporations chose the best technical solutions you would end up minimising the amount of pollution. The problem is that it would cut into their profits so they choosing to put profits ahead of people."

Industry bosses say there has been a reduction in air pollution over the past 10 years, but admit more can be done.

Willem Oosthuizen of Engen says: “We will certainly try to keep on working on our environmental performance, reducing the flaring, becoming more reliable, we care for the community and we going to do more."

Engen has also accepted a memorandum - delivered by university students and ill children from the area. They're calling for, among other things, transparency. The community has vowed to follow up on their demands.