EC town to feel effects of blast for months to come

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Middelburg in the Karoo is expected to feel the negative socio-economic effects of Monday's powerful explosion at a perfume plant for months to come.

More than 30 people were injured in Monday's blast and subsequent fire, while 18 have been transferred to a Port Elizabeth hospital.

Now, the more than 350 people employed by Rolfe Laboratories have been left without an income.

There has been no indication yet of when the facility may re-open but it is not expected to be anytime soon.

The chairperson of the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce, Nettie Kok.

"Rolfe is definitely the biggest employer in town and it is the only jobs and income they have. We do not know for how long they will be without money. They are the spenders in the town so all businesses will take a knock from this" she said,