Committee reinstated as mine dump watchdogs
The Greater Benoni Residents Committee (GBRC) was reinstated at a community meeting held on November 9 at the Benoni Municipal Council Chambers.
The meeting was chaired by Ward 27 Clr Jacques Meiring.
The GBRC’s reinstatement comes after community uproar was caused after two companies, Thumela Logistix CC and Nendiwave, applied for mine dump reclamation permits.
The community accused the companies of not being transparent or honest about their intentions.
The two planned mining sites are in Modderfontein (next to Chevalier Street and Hospital Road, about 12km from Snake Road via Main Reef Road) and Vlakfontein (next to Golden Drive, about 1.5km from Snake Road).
Original GBRC members Dudley Whittle, Howard Nel and Nick Haywood remained on the committee.
Willem la Grange, Charlene Makobane and Denise Maclachlan are the three newly-added members of the committee.
Wittle said the purpose of the GBRC is to assist the community to voice concerns in mining applications and to ensure that mining companies conduct operations in a controlled and environmentally responsible manner.
Nel said the committee will need to revise every mine dump reclamation permit application as they are becoming more frequent.
Two more advertisements were placed in the City Times on November 9.
Haywood explained that in 2003 the GBRC succeeded in forming relationships with mining companies to develop memorandums of understanding.
Wittle added that these projects can be beneficial as the mine dumps will ultimately be removed and the area possibly rehabilitated.
Also read: Street recyclers pull victims from burning N12 vehicle
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
