Union and Ministry clash over Luederitz fish factory report

AN inspection of NovaNam’s fish factory at Luederitz found a huge health hazard to the workers, according to a report by the Ministry of Labour.

The inspection, which took place in April this year, resulted in recommendations which now have been implemented, according to Permanent Secretary Ulitala Hiveluah at the Ministry. But this was adamantly denied by Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers Union (Nasawu) President Paulus Hango, who told The Namibian on Wednesday that the company has failed to implement Labour Ministry’s recommendations.The recommendations were based on the inspection conducted in April this year.Inspectors interviewed, discussed, and monitored workers entering and leaving the factory.Shop steward Jakob Ndjalo at Luederitz agreed with Hango.He told The Namibian on Wednesday: “They have done nothing since the report.”The report called for improvements to allow workers to safely evacuate the factory in the event of an ammonia leak.Ammonia is used in the cooling system of the plant.”A rapid ammonia gas leakage would be disastrous to workers,” Hango said.Hango claimed frequent ammonia gas leaks had been experienced in the past and had affected some employees’ health.”As a result of the gas leakage some employees has become asthma sufferers,” he said.A copy of a report, in possession of The Namibian, warned of a significant potential risk of employees getting trampled at the exit in case of emergency evacuation.General Manager of NovaNam Ron Walters last week refused to comment on the report.He was not available for comment when called after The Namibian investigated the union claims on Wednesday.But this was adamantly denied by Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers Union (Nasawu) President Paulus Hango, who told The Namibian on Wednesday that the company has failed to implement Labour Ministry’s recommendations.The recommendations were based on the inspection conducted in April this year.Inspectors interviewed, discussed, and monitored workers entering and leaving the factory.Shop steward Jakob Ndjalo at Luederitz agreed with Hango.He told The Namibian on Wednesday: “They have done nothing since the report.”The report called for improvements to allow workers to safely evacuate the factory in the event of an ammonia leak.Ammonia is used in the cooling system of the plant.”A rapid ammonia gas leakage would be disastrous to workers,” Hango said.Hango claimed frequent ammonia gas leaks had been experienced in the past and had affected some employees’ health.”As a result of the gas leakage some employees has become asthma sufferers,” he said. A copy of a report, in possession of The Namibian, warned of a significant potential risk of employees getting trampled at the exit in case of emergency evacuation.General Manager of NovaNam Ron Walters last week refused to comment on the report.He was not available for comment when called after The Namibian investigated the union claims on Wednesday.