Question NW1181 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
21 May 2021 - NW1181
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
1) Whether his department has been informed of the open mine shaft directly south of the Zamampilo informal settlement at Riverlea, Johannesburg; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by what date will his department (a) inspect and (b) close the shaft; 2) Whether his department has plans in the interim to erect warnings and/or barriers around the shaft to prevent persons falling into it pending closure; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes, the Department has been informed of the open mine shaft directly south of the Zamampilo informal settlement at Riverlea, Johannesburg. Subsequently a site visit was conducted on a joint operation with South African Police Services because of the prevalence of illegal miners operating with the area. It was observed during the site visit that the said open mine shaft that was opened, is the same shaft that was rehabilitated, sealed off and fenced off by concrete palisade fencing. The resealing of the said shaft is being prioritised and will be completed within the current financial year.
2. Yes, the Department is putting interim measures in place including erecting warnings and conducting public awareness.