The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms. Nomvula Mokonyane, has noted recent media reports, initially published in the Sunday Times (06 September 2015) and statements by certain scientists on government's plans to manage acid mine water for future use.
South Africa is a water-scarce country and is regarded as one of the 30 driest countries in the world. Our economic hub, namely, the province of Gauteng, is largely dependent on water generated from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project in order to meet its water supply demands for both industry as well as human consumption and use.
The above realities coupled with the challenges of global warming and the effects of climate change have been evident in the recent droughts experienced in some provinces, namely, Kwazulu-Natal, Free State, North-West and Limpopo.
It is in line with the above realities that the Minister has been actively engaged in encouraging the public to conserve and to use water wisely in order to ensure that we manage our available water adequately to guarantee sustainable water supply for our country.
With the above in mind, government is indeed engaged in a discussion on how best to deal with Acid Mine Drainage and as such, the reports are to this particular extent, correct.
It must be stated clearly that no decisions have been taken and although a feasibility study has been completed to ensure the best solutions for the acid mine drainage in the Witwatersrand, the Department is still engaging with the relevant stakeholders, experts and organisations, including the public. Once all of the information has been assessed, the Minster will then be able to make an informed decision.
The Department is also in the process of formulating a Mine Water Management Policy that will deal with mine water in an integrated manner.
The issue of Acid Mine Drainage is a historical matter and the department is thus seeking long-term and sustainable solutions.
The priorities for the government in this regard, are as follows:
- To guarantee sustainable water supply for South Africa, both for human and industrial uses and to ensure the best quality water available in our country is conserved for human use, in particular;
- To ensure the most environmentally suitable methods for acid mine water management are in place, in order to provide a long-term solution to the issue;
- To ensure that cost-efficiency is achieved in our abilities to provide water to citizens and industry in ways that will have minimal financial impacts to citizens;
- To ensure compliance and alignment with international standards in dealing with matters of Acid Mine Drainage and water management at large.
The Minister is confident that the processes currently underway will provide the country with a basis from which to engage before decisions are taken.
Enquiries:
Mlimandlela Ndamase
Cell: 083 480 001
E-mai: NdamaseM@dws.gov.za
