South Africa’s freshwater resources are under increasing pressure. Growth in population and increased economic and mining activity have lead to increased competition for and conflicts over the limited freshwater resources.
Lack of enforcement of pollution control measures within the gold mining sector has degraded water resources. Pollution caused by the gold mines influences water usability downstream, threatens human health and the functioning of aquatic ecosystems so reducing effective availability and increasing competition for water of adequate quality. Political attention and commitment to monitor the gold mining industry’s compliance with water use license conditions, best practice guidelines, and the requirements of the National Water Act, No 36 of 1998 and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Regulations published under GN R527 in GG 26275 of 23 April 2004 as amended by GN R1288 in GG 26942 of 29 October 2004 and GN R1203 in GG 29431 of 30 November 2006 are urgently called for.
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SUBMISSIONS MADE ON BEHALF OF THE FEDERATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
DURING THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND FORESTRY’S WATER FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT