Dumping of spoil waste material worsening in Riverlea
Residents angered over the current situation surrounding the dumping of spoil waste material.
The situation surrounding mine waste being dumped in Riverlea Ext has angered residents.
Mine waste has been dumped in a mine pit in Riverlea Ext causing dust pollution and sicknesses according to the residents living there.
The Riverlea Community Forum under the guidance of Reece Rosenberg and Mark Kayter said the dust has been causing sickness amongst the residents.
“This is a complete violation to the people’s rights and we cannot stand aside and watch our area being polluted.
“We need the authorities to step in and do something about the current situation,” said Rosenberg.
A company named WNR Plant Hire said they were just hired by the mining company and given orders to dump the waste on this site.
According to a statement between Central Rand Gold (CRG) and WNR Plant Hire it was discussed on June 3 that the spoil material be dumped in Riverlea as their legal site.
A meeting was held on May 19 between CRG, WNR Plant Hire, Gauteng Department of Education, The Department of Mineral Resources, The Riverlea Community Forum and The School Transport Association (SORICTRA) to discuss the issue with no real outcomes.
On Wednesday residents blocked off the roads the trucks use to enter the pit in a bid to stop the dumping from happening.
Karin Rossouw from WNR Plant Hire said they just did what they hired for in which she even had discussions with the residents regarding the matter.
An agreement was reached between Tracy Geddes of Central Rand Gold confirming that the backfilling process of the mine is being handled by D&H Recycling.
This operation is happening every single day and is planned to take 4-6 months.
“In my discussions with the community they confirmed that they are aware of this operation and are satisfied that it is happening, however there is a lack of communication between the mine and the residents,” said Rossouw.
Ward councillor Basil Douglas said the operation should stop because of the health concerns involved.
“We have been pleading for a while now and would like the operation to stop.
“Our people are falling sick and have to keep their doors closed all the time due to the dust,” said Douglas.
Central Rand Gold could not be reached for comment at this time.
