Fuel Leak Rehab is going to be very costly

Fuel leaks at the Louis Trichardt air force base were apparently reported to top structures of the air force as far back as 1989, but the problem was addressed only in 2000.

The alleged "lack of effective action" eventually led to a loss of nearly 15 million litres of jet fuel - one of the largest cases of fuel pollution in South Africa - worth an estimated R45m. It will cost several millions more to rehabilitate ground water and the 4 200 ha area of the base.

Serving and former members of the air force, who wanted to remain anonymous for fear of intimidation, on Wednesday related how personnel at the base walked in rubber boots through fuel seeping through the ground after a heavy rainstorm in 1989. The problem was reported, but no action was taken. The matter was also referred to the air force's inspector general.

One former member said staff at the base did not have the necessary equipment to find evidence of a leak. At one stage, the fuel level in tanks dropped so rapidly that members suspected more than one leak.

The air force this week admitted that poor workmanship on a welding joint of an underground fuel pipe caused the problem.

Residents of the base and nearby farms were angry on Wednesday because they had never been informed of the toxic pollution of the water.

Air force members with fuel control experience said that not enough was being done to train experts at air forces bases across the country. The 17km oil pipeline to the Louis Trichardt base is allegedly mainly guarded by ordinary security personnel, while it should be checked for leaks at least twice a month.

The air force said it would rehabilitate the entire area and that effective control systems had already been installed to prevent any future leaks.

News24