Khartoum state water corporation using carcinogenic substances – report

July 6, 2013, (KHARTOUM) – A recent report issued by the inspector general in Sudan’s Khartoum capital state has revealed that Khartoum State Water Corporation (KSWC) is using carcinogenic substances including solid polymer, powder and chlorine in water treatment besides importing materials which do not conform to standards and specifications.

The report disclosed that the solid polymer and the powder contain toxic and carcinogenic components including iron, zinc, copper, lead, chromium and manganese.

It also said that the leakage of the chlorine gas is toxic and deadly; pointing that the shortage in the stock of water purification materials makes KSWC distributes water that does not meet standards which leads to the spread of contagious and epidemic diseases.

The report further criticized the KSWC for not having properly equipped storages for materials used in water purification including aluminum, chloride, solid polymer, alum, and chlorine gas.

It noted that these toxic substances which pose serious threat to workers and neighboring areas are being kept in the courtyards of the water treatment plants.

The report added that KSWC workers do not adhere to safety precautions such as wearing gloves and masks when opening chlorine gas cylinders, stressing that KSWC has imported non-conforming materials.

The purchase contracts of these materials, according to the report, lack the adequate guarantees and penalty clauses.

(ST)