Downside for Barberton boom

If you ever wondered about the increasing number of Chinese nationals currently settling in Barberton, it is all about business. An economic boom is expected for the town with the reopening of two major asbestos mines in the mountains to the south.
This goes along with the rehabilitation of the currently defunct cableway from the old Havelock Mine as well as the upgrading of the railroad to Kaapmuiden financed by the Chinese.

Shanghai-based Chinese/French mining giant Fucdelungi has already started with infrastructure planning after an investment deal was struck with government in Johannesburg late last year.

Provincial officials as well as a Umdjindi local Municipality delegation were in on the negotiations.
With modern technology and new mining methods, asbestos has become less toxic than it used to be 20 years ago when all of these mines were closed worldwide, says Mpumalanga director of health, Dr Fakile Sabestosi.
Many major new developments for Barberton are also in the pipeline. Surveying of a modern housing estate near the current Lomati Saw Mill has already commenced.

These also include a major manufacturing of facial-dust filters for the local and international market offering training and new job opportunities to more than 2 500 people. Half of these will be Chinese nationals, according to the investment agreement.

On the downside, new medical regulations are currently being promulgated in the Mpumalanga legislator to enforce the future wearing of facial-dust filters in the whole of the Barberton and DeKaap Valley area. This is to prevent possible contamination and to provent future health clames against.

A special unit of municipal inspectors to control the compulsory wearing of these cloth protectors by all, is currently under training at a cost of nearly R4,2 million.
This is financed from the current municipal budget.