Failure to replace and upgrade our country's water infrastructure poses a severe risk to both the quality and quantity of the country's water supplies. Commenting on the state of the country’s water supply ahead of National Water Week (16-22 March 2015), the South African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers' Association (SAPPMA) Chairman, Jan Venter, said his association had grave … [Read more...]
Water management in SA leaves much to be desired
No one can live without water. However, judging by how many South Africans waste water, one would think we have an unlimited. What many of us may not realise is that there’s not enough water to go around. And the little water we do have is often too dirty for human consumption. It’s a gloomy picture, but true. Let us not beat around the bush - South Africa has major … [Read more...]
Carbon tax delayed, acid mine water levies planned
South Africa’s government delayed the implementation of a planned carbon tax to 2016, while saying it may impose new levies on mining companies to help fund the treatment of acid water seeping from disused gold mines. The National Treasury two years ago said it planned to charge 120 rand ($11) on every metric ton of carbon emitted above a 60 percent threshold from 2014 and … [Read more...]
Acid mine drainage to be pumped into already ailing rivers
COP get-togethers have been staged in South Africa, South America and most recently in the East. Much hot air was let off from stages and platforms, with very little happenning afterwards, most of which seemed to be forgotten until the preparations for the next COP. We regularly hear much said about how our environment is under threat. We are aware of the threat the … [Read more...]
Water is sacrificed for gold
When the Climate Train arrived in Johannesburg, Nasrec station earlier this month we all knew we were in for an eventful three days. However, unless you’re a football fan, you probably have very little reason to visit Nasrec Station. Since the Soccer World Cup was hosted in South Africa last year, this pristine station has for the most part been quiet. But when the train … [Read more...]
Mining threatens Mapungubwe heritage site
On 8 April 1933 a remarkable discovery was made in the Transvaal. A grave of unknown origin, filled with gold-work, was found on a natural rock stronghold in a wild region. This site was Mapungubwe Hill, which serves as the capital of the ancient Mapangubwe Kingdom, situated on the borders between South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. This area of a former flourishing Iron … [Read more...]
Committee to hold hearings on Acid Mine Drainage
The Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs will next week (Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22) hold public hearings on Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). The South African mining sector is one of the critical drivers of the economy in South Africa. However, mining activities are also associated with environmental contamination such as acid mine drainage. AMD is highly … [Read more...]
