Residents affected by illegal water usage
Zama-zama's abuse water to keep their illegal mining activities afloat
South Africa has been experiencing drought conditions, resulting in the Vaal Dam levels dropping to an all-time low, necessitating the implementation of strict water restrictions.
The Department of Water and Sanitation instructed Johannesburg Water (JW) to reduce its water usage by 15 per cent, which led to level-two water restrictions. According to JW despite all of these steps water consumption remained very high, and only a small difference could be seen. Residents of Roodepoort and surrounding areas have been urged countless times to reduce their water consumption and adhere to the restrictions, or face consequences, including higher billing rates and fines by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
But, the question remains, is it really the residents who are not complying, or are other factors in play? Recently, two of the CoJ’s entities – JW and the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) – together with the South African Police Service embarked on a campaign in Matholesville. The purpose of this campaign was to raise awareness among the illegal miners about the impact of illegal water usage on the city’s and its residents’ overall water supply.
There are between 2 000 and 3 000 illegal miners, known as zama-zamas at the Randfontein site unlawfully connecting to residential water to process the illegal gold extracted from mine shafts no longer in operation. This results in residents of Matholesville and Tshepisong being without water.
According to the JRA Infrastructure Protection Manager, Conel Mackay the operation was aimed mainly at informing residents about their water being abused by these illegal activities and that the zama-zamas are, in fact, committing a crime.
“It is really about highlighting water wastage. We have brought all stakeholders on board. Water is being diverted illegally for this purpose and residents are now experiencing reduced supplies. If we can bring down illegal water usage, then we’ll be able to bring this scourge under control,” Mackay said.
The City has warned the illegal miners that if they do not heed the call to stop the illegal usage and resulting wastage of water for these mining activities, water restrictions will be implemented in the area.
The Infrastructure Planning Unit, Immigration and the police are planning to shut down the site this year.
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