Calls on Shell to replace ageing Durban refinery

SHELL Accountability Group, a global network of environmental groups, has called on Shell to replace, at an estimated cost of R43 billion, the Durban-based refinery that is jointly owned by it and BP through the SA Petroleum Refineries (Sapref) joint venture, Business Report said on Friday.

The call was made in a report, which was published to coincide with the release of Shell’s financial 2006 results, written by a coalition of environmental, human rights and community groups. It calls on Shell to use some of its multibillion-dollar profit to begin to clean up the damage it has caused to communities and environments across the globe.Referring to the Sapref refinery in Durban, which was built in 1963, the report states that there have been multiple fires and explosions due to ageing infrastructure and lack of maintenance.”The litany of problems the refinery and pipeline cause has been well documented since 1998.Shell has refused to commit to permanent solutions to the problems.”Nampa-SapaIt calls on Shell to use some of its multibillion-dollar profit to begin to clean up the damage it has caused to communities and environments across the globe.Referring to the Sapref refinery in Durban, which was built in 1963, the report states that there have been multiple fires and explosions due to ageing infrastructure and lack of maintenance.”The litany of problems the refinery and pipeline cause has been well documented since 1998.Shell has refused to commit to permanent solutions to the problems.”Nampa-Sapa