Water Issues in SA

SABC Health Talk, Environmental Health: 25 February 2017

Written by / Maintained by Webmaster Thursday, 02 March 2017 12:45

Focus on preventing illness rather than incurring the expense of treatment.

Published in WATER

Rand Water tightens the taps in Gauteng

Written by Saturday Star Friday, 21 October 2016 19:07

In the Midvaal suburb where Sipho Mosai lives, the gardens are lush and green because the sprinklers run all day. There's little sense of alarm at the fast-declining water levels in the Vaal water system after which the suburb is named.

Published in WATER

Objection: Sedibelo Platinum Mine Water Use Licence

Written by / Maintained by Webmaster Monday, 03 October 2016 19:00

The Federation for a Sustainable Environment has objected to the Water Use Licence granted to Sedibelo Platinum Mine within the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, North West Province.

An extract from the objection follows, and the full document is available to download.

Published in WATER

Corruption seeps into South Africa’s R26 billion water project: report

Written by http://businesstech.co.za/ Wednesday, 13 July 2016 18:28

This is according to a report by the City Press, noting that the Public Protector will meet with Mokonyane over the issue this week.

The project has been delayed by over a year due to Mokonyane’s direct intervention, the report said, pushing its completion date to 2025, and pushing the price up to R26 billion.

The entire project is being funded by taxpayers.

Senior officials told the City Press that the delay was forced by Mokonyane so that consulting firm, LTE Consulting, could get involved.

According to the City Press’ findings, LTE has been awarded R5 billion worth of contracts in water and sanitation over the past year. It was also found that the company had donated as much as R3.5 million to the ANC in the past two months.

The standard fee for consultation is 10% of the total cost, the paper said, meaning a spot on the water project could net the company as much as R2.6 billion.

Executives from LTE have reportedly been contacting and paying delegates involved with the project, trying to convince them the give them tenders. When told by officials that the company had to bid for tenders, LTE CEO Thulani Majola allegedly said that he was not interested in bidding, and would approach Mokonyane directly.

Subsequently, the bids for a number of tenders – from other companies – were rejected by the department soon thereafter.

http://businesstech.co.za/

Published in WATER

Water Quality Management Policies and Strategies

Written by / Maintained by Webmaster Tuesday, 28 June 2016 15:07

In response to the country's need to take an improved integrated approach to Water Quality Management, the Department of Water and Sanitation has recently initiated a project to revise its current Water Quality Management (WQM) Policies and Strategies.

Published in WATER

Questions raised about govt's approach to acid mine drainage

Written by / Maintained by Webmaster Saturday, 24 October 2015 07:40

The Department of Water and Sanitation's existing treatment programme involving pumping acid mine drainage out of the Witwatersrand basin and then partially treating the water by neutralising it will not assist in alleviating the challenge in the long term, says the Federation for a Sustainable Environment (FSE) CEO Mariette Liefferink.

Published in WATER

Water scientist disputes NGO's claim of Mintails' criminal noncompliance

Written by Natalie Greve - Mining Weekly Saturday, 22 August 2015 17:47

JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Environmental risk analyst Dr Anthony Turton has vehemently denied claims by independent environmental organisation the Federation for a Sustainable Environment (FSE) that tailings extractor Mintails has not complied with the terms of its water-use licence (WUL) and other environmental requirements to the extent that makes it criminally culpable.

Published in WATER

DWS is not compliant on AMD

Written by Mariette Liefferink Saturday, 22 August 2015 17:25

Mariette Lierfferink, CEO of the Federation for a Sustainable Environment states that while the Department of Water and Sanitation alleges that the Acid Mine Drainage situation is no longer a reason for concern, the investigation report by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) adduces evidence to the contrary.

Published in WATER

Govt, private sector working constructively to tackle acid mine drainage in Wits basin ^Featured

Written by Ilan Solomons Sunday, 19 July 2015 07:08

JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Although acid mine drainage (AMD) in the Witwatersrand basin is the result of a legacy of environmental mismanagement of water resources by mines and lax enforcement of regulations by government, these role-players are working to constructively address this problem, says Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) senior manager Marius Keet.

Published in WATER

Appoint a Water Tribunal! ^Featured

Written by / Maintained by Webmaster Friday, 27 March 2015 06:15

In Mpumalanga the Escarpment Environmental Protection Group (EEPOG) and the Wonderfontein Community Organisation have applied to the Pretoria High Court for an order to reinstitute the Water Tribunal.

Published in WATER

AngloGold Spills Toxic Waste Near South Africa's Vaal River

Written by Kevin Crowley Friday, 30 August 2013 23:53

Anglo Gold Ashanti Ltd., Africa's largest producer of the metal, said it spilled toxic waste from a gold-dump treatment unit into a tributary of South Africa's Vaal River.

By Kevin Crowley

Published in WATER

"Fracking threatens our water resources" 64% vote yes

Written by / Maintained by Webmaster Friday, 30 May 2014 23:29

‘Fracking threatens our water resources’: This was the topic in the third of WWF and SAfm’s Decisive Debate series.

Published in WATER

Water Pollution Near Mines Prompts South African Ombudsman Probe ^Featured

Written by Kevin Crowley Friday, 23 May 2014 21:59

South Africa’s anti-corruption ombudsman has begun a probe into water pollution allegedly caused by mining companies.
The inquiry by the Public Protector is in its early stages, spokesman Oupa Segalwe said by e-mail.
“The investigation has to do with alleged pollution of water as a result of mining operations in a number of provinces,” Segalwe said.

By Kevin Crowley

Published in WATER

Water channels blighted by AMD and age place Gauteng's biodiversity at risk ^Featured

Written by / Maintained by Webmaster Thursday, 22 May 2014 22:23

A confidential report in the possession of amaBhungane has painted an alarming picture of the threat posed by acid mine drainage to critical water pipelines owned by Africa's largest water utility Rand Water.

By ZWANGA MUKHUTHU

Published in WATER

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More water news

2019 - CURRENT WATER SITUATION IN THE VAAL RIVER SYSTEM

Summary of water quantity and quality challenges within the Vaal River system grounded upon the information which was presented by the Department of Water and Sanitation's Directorate: National water resource planning to the strategy steering Committee (SSC) for the continuation of the integrated Vaal River system. Reconciliation Strategy Guide – PHASE 2 attached for donwload.

Faeces in the kitchen: South Africans call for better sewage systems

ABOUT OUR PROPERTY RIGHTS COVERAGE This story is part of , our new website shining a light on land & property rights around the world. Access to water is a hot topic in South Africa - and a growing number of countries hit by climate change, burgeoning populations and poor governance By Kim Harrisberg Faeces in the kitchen: South Africans call for better sewage systems by Kim Harrisberg | @KimHarrisberg | Thomson Reuters Foundation Thursday, 21 March 2019 07:59 GMT JOHANNESBURG, March 21 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Raw excrement, condoms and sanitary products regularly spill into homes and parks, South Africans said ahead of Friday's World Water Day - just some of about 4.5 billion people globally without safe sanitation, promised for all by 2030. Residents are lobbying for urgent rehabilitation of sewage works by South Africa's Department of Water and Sanitation, widely criticised for lack of investment, non-payment of contractors, poor revenue collection, water theft and leakage. "We have had water flowing into our street and home for the last three years," Heather Crosley, who lives in South Africa's biggest city, Johannesburg, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "When it rains heavily, the manhole lids blows off; sewage rushes down the road and sometimes comes into our kitchen. We have found condoms, tampons and faeces in our kitchen on more than one occasion." Under global development goals agreed in 2015, governments pledged to provide access to water and sanitation for all by 2030. But three in 10 people worldwide do not have a water source free from faecal and chemical contamination. The spokesman for the water department, Sputnik Ratau, said setting up an independent regulator to improve management was "paramount", although he did not have a specific timeline. "The Ministry and Department are seized with the work of ensuring this comes to pass," he said. Access to water is a hot topic in South Africa - and a growing number of countries hit by climate change, burgeoning populations and poor governance - as drought last year triggered warnings that Cape Town's taps could run dry. In Johannesburg's Soweto township, residents often see untreated waste water and excrement flow into tributaries that lead to the Vaal River, one of the country's main water sources. "In Snake Park, sewage is currently flowing into a community-built park so the children have nowhere safe to play," said community activist Tiny Dlamini. Untreated water can cause diarrhea and cholera, which can be fatal, particularly for children. About 56 percent of South Africa's waste water treatment works are in a poor or critical state, said Mariette Liefferink, head of the Federation for a Sustainable Environment, which campaigns against water pollution caused by mining. "This is a perfect storm of mismanagement that currently impacts 14 million South Africans without access to decent sanitation," said Christine Colvin, a water expert with the World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa. (Reporting by Kim Harrisberg @kimharrisberg, Editing by Katy Migiro. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's and LGBT+ rights, human trafficking, property rights, and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org

Pollution of the Vaal

THE FSE PRESENTED ON INVITATION TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISION ON THE POLLUTION OF THE VAAL. ATTACHED ARE THE PRESENTATIONS.

SUMMARY OF WATER RELATED CHALLENGES IN SOUTH AFRICA 2018

SUMMARY OF WATER RELATED CHALLENGES IN SOUTH AFRICA 2018 INTRODUCTION This summary was compiled by the Federation for a Sustainable Environment (FSE) grounded upon its involvement as member of the various organs of state’s project steering committees, study steering committees, expert steering committees, advisory committees, task teams, forums, etc. since and prior to its inauguration in 2007.

WATER ISSUES: Continuation of the Integrated Vaal River System Reconciliation Strategy

WATER ISSUES: Continuation of the Integrated Vaal River System Reconciliation Strategy Study (PHASE 2). The FSE is a member of the Strategy Steering Committee and actively participated in the meeting on the 27th of February, 2018.

SUBMISSION ON THE DWS MASTER PLAN

WRITTEN SUBMISSION ON THE DRAFT 2.6: NATIONAL WATER AND SANITATION MASTER PLAN (NW&SMP) In this document, the Federation for a Sustainable Environment (“FSE”) submits comments on the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan, draft 2.6 (the “draft plan”). THE FSE: The FSE is a federation of community based civil society organisations committed to the realisation of the constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being, and to having the environment sustainably managed and protected for future generations. Their mission is specifically focussed on addressing the adverse impacts of mining and industrial activities on the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities who live and work near South Africa’s mines and industries. In accordance with the above-mentioned mission, the FSE’s comments are limited to matters pertaining to the mining industry. The FSE’s comments will be substantiated by real examples within the scope of the FSE’s experience and our active participation in a significant number of environmental impacts assessments, environmental management programme reports, water use license applications, environmental authorisations, steering committees, forums, task teams, teams of experts, academic research groups, boards, etc. over a period of 15 (fifteen years).[1] [1] Kindly note that the Legal Resources Centre assisted with this publication.

Invitation by the DWS to participate in a working session regarding the draft National Water and Sanitation Master Plan: to be held on 2 February 2018 at the DBSA Conference Centre

The following preliminary comments on the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NW&SMP) are submitted on behalf of the Federation for Sustainable Environment (FSE). The FSE is a federation of community based civil society organisations committed to the realisation of the constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being, and to having the environment sustainably managed and protected for future generations. Their mission is specifically focussed on addressing the adverse impacts of mining and industrial activities on the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities who live and work near South Africa’s mines and industries. In accordance with the above-mentioned mission, the FSE’s comments are limited to matters pertaining to the mining industry. The FSE’s comments will be substantiated by real examples within the scope of the FSE’s experience and our active participation in a significant number of environmental impacts assessments, environmental management programme reports, water use license applications, environmental authorisations, steering committees, forums, task teams, teams of experts, academic research groups, boards, etc. over a period of 15 (fifteen years). The FSE, with the support and representation of the Legal Resource Centre (LRC), is currently in the process of preparing additional comments on the NW&SMP. In view of the aforesaid, we respectfully request allowance to refine and augment our preliminary comments.

Project to heal polluted river . System will·create stream·of jobs

THE POTENTIAL to create 100 climate jobs and to help : bring a "dead river system" back to life -that's the rationale behind a proposed pilot project to heal one of Gauteng's most heavily polluted river systems, the Tweelopiespruit, which has been contaminated by more than a century of mining.

'Mine Water can be treated, safe'

SOUTH Africans have to "change their mindsets" that they can't drink acid mine drainage (AMD).

Eastern Basin acid water plant is "sledgehammer"

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has used a "sledgehammer" for its R1bn treatment plant for acid mine drainage (AMD) on the Eastern mining basin that could ultimately create more toxic water. This is the view of water strategy and consulting mining hydrologist Kym Morton, who believes government is "wasting money" by pumping large volumes of water and adding lime that makes it alkaline but still toxic and hazardous.

SABC Health Talk, Environmental Health: 25 February 2017

Focus on preventing illness rather than incurring the expense of treatment.

Rand Water tightens the taps in Gauteng

Objection: Sedibelo Platinum Mine Water Use Licence

The Federation for a Sustainable Environment has objected to the Water Use Licence granted to Sedibelo Platinum Mine within the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, North West Province. An extract from the objection follows, and the full document is available to download.

Corruption seeps into South Africa’s R26 billion water project: report

Water affairs and sanitation minister Nomvula Mokonyane is in the cross-hairs of the Public Protector after delaying South Africa’s Lesotho Highlands Water Project, allegedly to award contracts to a company she has a long-standing relationship with. This is according to a report by the City Press, noting that the Public Protector will meet with Mokonyane over the issue this week. The project has been delayed by over a year due to Mokonyane’s direct intervention, the report said, pushing its completion date to 2025, and pushing the price up to R26 billion. The entire project is being funded by taxpayers. Senior officials told the City Press that the delay was forced by Mokonyane so that consulting firm, LTE Consulting, could get involved. According to the City Press’ findings, LTE has been awarded R5 billion worth of contracts in water and sanitation over the past year. It was also found that the company had donated as much as R3.5 million to the ANC in the past two months. The standard fee for consultation is 10% of the total cost, the paper said, meaning a spot on the water project could net the company as much as R2.6 billion. Executives from LTE have reportedly been contacting and paying delegates involved with the project, trying to convince them the give them tenders. When told by officials that the company had to bid for tenders, LTE CEO Thulani Majola allegedly said that he was not interested in bidding, and would approach Mokonyane directly. Subsequently, the bids for a number of tenders – from other companies – were rejected by the department soon thereafter. http://businesstech.co.za/

Water Quality Management Policies and Strategies

Questions raised about govt's approach to acid mine drainage

Water scientist disputes NGO's claim of Mintails' criminal noncompliance

DWS is not compliant on AMD

"Fracking threatens our water resources" 64% vote yes

‘Fracking threatens our water resources’: This was the topic in the third of WWF and SAfm’s Decisive Debate series.

Legal not technical problems bedevil water delivery in SA

The barrier to efficient water service delivery in South Africa was not of a technological nature but rather related to legal and Constitutional challenges, Water Research Commission (WRC) CEO Dhesigen Naidoo said on Thursday. BY: LEANDI KOLVER

Mintails: Conditions for Water Use License

In terms of Condition 12.9 of the authorised Water Use License “The Licensee shall attend and actively participate in the Wonderfontein/Loopspruit catchment forum to which the Licensee must report and present all aspects of water management as contained in the conditions of this license such as compliance with the licence conditions and progress with all investigations in terms of this license or related studies...”

New treatment plant opened as acid water pours

As Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa unveiled a new multi-million rand acid mine drainage treatment plant yesterday, a few kilometres away of a torrent of untreated toxic water was gushing uncontrollably into an already blighted river system.

LUR tree in bres vir ‘fabrieke van water’

Pinky Phosa, LUR vir ekonomiese ontwikkeling, omgewingsake en toerisme, is gister wyd geloof vir die feit dat sy “twee water¬fabrieke” in Mpumalanga tot bewaringsgebiede geproklameer het.Die een is by Wakkerstroom en die ander by Chrissiesmeer.

Ways to kill a wetland

In late June 2013, Exxaro, one of South Africa’s largest coal-mining companies with assets of R41.6-billion, commenced opencast mining at Weltevreden pan close to Delmas, in the mineral-rich province of Mpumalanga. Or rather, re-commenced. Report by Franz Fuls Report by Franz Fuls

Charges laid against AngloGold Ashanti over polluting min

Further charges are being laid against AngloGold Ashanti for a spill that resulted in uranium-laden water going into a tributary of the Vaal River.

Water News

Govt, private sector working constructively to tackle acid mine drainage in Wits basin Featured

Appoint a Water Tribunal! Featured

Water Pollution Near Mines Prompts South African Ombudsman Probe Featured

Water channels blighted by AMD and age place Gauteng's biodiversity at risk Featured

More water news

Govt, private sector working constructively to tackle acid mine drainage in Wits basin ^Featured

Appoint a Water Tribunal! ^Featured

Water Pollution Near Mines Prompts South African Ombudsman Probe ^Featured

Water channels blighted by AMD and age place Gauteng's biodiversity at risk ^Featured