ActionSA Calls for Memorandum of Understanding Between JRA and DMRE to Address Sinkhole Crisis
Lwanda Bini
ActionSA Joburg Caucus Councillor
ActionSA Johannesburg Caucus expresses deep concern over the blame-shifting between the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) regarding the sinkhole issues in parts of Roodepoort, specifically Ward 127’s Witpoortjie Estate.
The sinkholes have hindered development, derailing some of the 11 mayoral priorities, including Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment, and Financial Sustainability.
While JRA and DMRE engage in a tug-of-war over responsibility, residents continue to suffer. ActionSA strongly believes a mutual understanding and joint operation between these critical parties are crucial to resolving the infrastructure crisis in Ward 127 and surrounding areas.
DMRE has commendable policies for rehabilitating mining sites, but these policies haven’t translated into tangible action, partly due to this tug-of-war. ActionSA urges a commitment from JRA and DMRE to jointly seek a harmonious resolution to the sinkhole crisis and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to curb illegal mining, which has, particularly. exacerbated the issue in Ward 127.
Illegal mining, often perpetrated by undocumented foreign nationals, is a significant contributor to the problem. These individuals exploit our lenient justice system and porous borders. ActionSA will formally write to both JRA and DMRE, to seek an amicable solution to address the sinkholes and calling for a memorandum of understanding to ensure cooperation between the two entities.
ActionSA Calls for Memorandum of Understanding Between JRA and DMRE to Address Sinkhole Crisis
ActionSA Johannesburg Caucus expresses deep concern over the blame-shifting between the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) regarding the sinkhole issues in parts of Roodepoort, specifically Ward 127’s Witpoortjie Estate.
The sinkholes have hindered development, derailing some of the 11 mayoral priorities, including Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment, and Financial Sustainability.
While JRA and DMRE engage in a tug-of-war over responsibility, residents continue to suffer. ActionSA strongly believes a mutual understanding and joint operation between these critical parties are crucial to resolving the infrastructure crisis in Ward 127 and surrounding areas.
DMRE has commendable policies for rehabilitating mining sites, but these policies haven’t translated into tangible action, partly due to this tug-of-war. ActionSA urges a commitment from JRA and DMRE to jointly seek a harmonious resolution to the sinkhole crisis and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to curb illegal mining, which has, particularly. exacerbated the issue in Ward 127.
Illegal mining, often perpetrated by undocumented foreign nationals, is a significant contributor to the problem. These individuals exploit our lenient justice system and porous borders. ActionSA will formally write to both JRA and DMRE, to seek an amicable solution to address the sinkholes and calling for a memorandum of understanding to ensure cooperation between the two entities.