Radioactive ground residents’ removal now a priority
What used to be the scene of chaos a few weeks ago, has opened wounds about housing in Krugersdorp.
Tudor Shaft informal settlement has been the scene of chaos after residents protested for days on end, barricading Tudor Road and causing traffic delays in the Chamdor area. One man even lost his life at the scene of the protest.
Read: Chamdor protest: one man killed
“Tudor Shaft has been subject of several studies conducted by various independent and government agencies interested in the socio-economic and environmental impact of mining in former mining towns,” a statement on Mogale City Local Municipality‘s website reads.
One such agency included the National Nuclear Regulator which found that some portions of land in the Tudor Shaft informal settlement had uranium deposits full of radioactive material, the News reported on 23 October last year. This made the relocation of the community a necessity.
While discussions are underway, the municipality will continue to prepare the Extension 13 area for housing development, the statement further reads.
The construction of top structures will commence as planned. The municipality will ensure that the first phase of the development is completed by the end of March this year and that Tudor Shaft residents are allocated houses.
“We will proceed to the second phase of the project until June when the next batch of houses is allocated,” it reads.
Read: Residents to be moved from radioactive area
“Continuous engagement with the community will occur because relocation is in the best interest of all parties. One of these engagements will be the Mayor’s meeting with Chamdor Industrial Park business leaders.”
Related articles:
• Protesters throw rocks and burn cars in Chamdor
• BREAKING: Chamdor protest ‘getting out of control’
