Illegal Mining Continues to Threaten Barberton’s Water Security
Gugu Thwala
ActionSA Mpumalanga Women’s Forum Chairperson
ActionSA remains concerned that illegal mining continues to threaten critical water infrastructure in the City of Mbombela, following the municipality’s warning that illegal mining activities at the Rimers Creek Water Treatment Plant have disrupted raw water abstraction and posed a risk to the quality and reliability of Barberton’s water supply.
According to the municipality, the threat was significant enough to warrant the temporary suspension of operations at the Rimers Creek Water Treatment Plant while safety and security measures were implemented. Residents were also urged to use water sparingly and report any changes in the quality of their drinking water.
This incident demonstrates that illegal mining is no longer simply a criminal justice issue, it has become a direct threat to essential municipal infrastructure, public health and the delivery of basic services. Communities should never have to worry about the safety and reliability of their drinking water because criminal activity has been allowed to undermine critical public infrastructure.
ActionSA calls on the South African Police Service, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the City of Mbombela and all relevant law enforcement agencies to urgently intensify efforts to eradicate illegal mining operations, secure critical water infrastructure and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Protecting South Africa’s water infrastructure is not optional. Residents deserve reliable access to safe drinking water and a government that acts decisively to defend the essential services upon which every community depends.
Illegal Mining Continues to Threaten Barberton’s Water Security
ActionSA remains concerned that illegal mining continues to threaten critical water infrastructure in the City of Mbombela, following the municipality’s warning that illegal mining activities at the Rimers Creek Water Treatment Plant have disrupted raw water abstraction and posed a risk to the quality and reliability of Barberton’s water supply.
According to the municipality, the threat was significant enough to warrant the temporary suspension of operations at the Rimers Creek Water Treatment Plant while safety and security measures were implemented. Residents were also urged to use water sparingly and report any changes in the quality of their drinking water.
This incident demonstrates that illegal mining is no longer simply a criminal justice issue, it has become a direct threat to essential municipal infrastructure, public health and the delivery of basic services. Communities should never have to worry about the safety and reliability of their drinking water because criminal activity has been allowed to undermine critical public infrastructure.
ActionSA calls on the South African Police Service, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the City of Mbombela and all relevant law enforcement agencies to urgently intensify efforts to eradicate illegal mining operations, secure critical water infrastructure and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Protecting South Africa’s water infrastructure is not optional. Residents deserve reliable access to safe drinking water and a government that acts decisively to defend the essential services upon which every community depends.