Mine takes measures to mitigate more flooding in Reiger Park

DRDGOLD said the company has taken measures to tackle and reduce the risk of floods from damaging people’s properties in Reiger Park.

The mine was responding to the Advertiser’s questions after residents of the township complained that their properties have suffered continuous flooding over the years, with little mitigation measures from the mining company.

Residents said rainy seasons are trying times for them as water runoff gushes out of the mining site and races down the low-lying ground and overwhelms the water system, before rushing into nearby people’s homes, resulting in flooding and painting of the area with whitish substance.

“Due to the unseasonably high recent rains, many stormwater control paddocks have reached their water-holding capacity, and sometimes, overtopping occurred.
“As the weather permits, excessive water is being decanted from the paddocks thus restoring them to their capacity,” explained the mining company representative, R & A Strategic Communications’ Jane Kamau.

According to Kamau, representatives of the mine are in continuous engagement with the affected residents.
She added that the mine is evaluating the overall surface hydrology of the Elsburg reclamation site as it nears final clearance and rehabilitation to establish the long-term stormwater management requirements of the site.

Also Read: Reiger Park residents raise safety concerns over mining operation

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