Water Wheel July/August 2009

Abstract

Letters Mines still the major polluters Thanks for an interesting article (Study Tests the Water for More Efficient Products, Water Wheel November/December 2008). You covered various aspects but the major polluters of our waters, namely the mines. Research figures from the WRC places it at around 46% of all the polluters. These people continues even under the present NEMA and Water Acts particularly on the West Rand, the Wonderfontein and Tweelopies Spruit, the areas around Pretoria, Bronneberg, Bapsfontein, the Sand Mining in the wetlands north of Roodeplaat Dam, and they do so with apparent impunity. We do not hear or see court cases where these people are brought to book only that they ostensively create jobs (not employment) – in most cases they mechanise in any event. In research reports originating from academics in the field, the Wonderfontein basin is a high-lying catchment area, the highly contaminated water can affect other rivers through the Vaal system right down to Alexander Bay.

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