This is according to Jahno Engelbrecht, DA spokesperson on Environment in Gauteng.
“During a committee meeting this week, the MEC claimed that this issue is solely a national competency. While legislation may support this, the MEC cannot simply turn her back on an increasingly dangerous environmental situation directly impacting this province,” says Engelbrecht.
“The MEC even went so far as to claim that Acid Mine Water could be safe to drink despite any clear evidence to support this.
“The fact remains that current processes to treat Acid Mine Water are not working sufficiently. Lime-dosing the water removes heavy metals but what remains is heavily salinised. Without a proper de-salinisation process this water is then emptied into fresh water river systems in Gauteng.
“According the World Health Organisation, these salt levels should not exceed the recommended level of 200mg per litre. Lime-dosing Acid Mine Water currently leaves the water with a salt level of 2 500mg per litre.”
He says the health and environmental implications of this contamination are likely to be far-reaching and will impact irrigation, drinking water, river systems and aquatic life.
“The MEC should set up an urgent meeting with the relevant national departments to discuss the way forward instead of turning her back on this issue.
“She should also refrain from radical claims regarding the safety of this water before proper studies have been conducted and the core of this problem has been resolved.” – @BokburgEd
