Goldi in Standerton is seeking alternative solutions

The Standerton Advertiser drew attention to the water supply crisis at Goldi in Standerton on our front page last week.

Mr Andy Crocker, managing director of Astral’s poultry commercial business, commented on 28 May that a substantial ongoing under-supply of water has escalated, and this notwithstanding a permanent order of court requiring the municipality to secure a minimum necessary supply.

Mr Gary Arnold, managing director of agriculture, stated that in spite of active engagement with a number of stakeholders on this issue, cooperation from the municipality has not been forthcoming.

“Astral is actively seeking alternative water supply solutions in an attempt to mitigate any further cost impacts and all possible avenues are being explored which include continued legal action.”

Mr Bosman Grobler, DA spokesman on finance and economic development in Mpumalanga, issued a press release on 30 May about the crisis at Astral Foods and said the company’s target is to slaughter 400 000 chickens daily and if they can’t do that due to water shortage/restrictions, it will impact on employment rates.

According to him, the company can only slaughter 200 000 chickens daily because the Lekwa Municipality only provides them with half of the water they need.

He also referred to unemployment levels in Mpumalanga that have climbed to a record level of 43%.

“At least 42 000 Mpumalanga residents joined the ranks of the unemployed in the first quarter of 2019 alone. Without the necessary sound and up to date infrastructure, businesses are unable to grow, prosper and create jobs.”

Mr Grobler concluded by saying the DA will conduct an oversight inspection to the Astral Foods factory to better understand their challenges and to work with all stakeholders to find workable solutions.

Also read: 

https://standertonadvertiser.co.za/92969/goldis-future-balance/