Ramaphosa visits Jagersfontein to assess damage after mine dam collapse
Government multidisciplinary response team is conducting search & rescue operation, providing immediate relief aimed at stabilising the situation in Jagersfontein.
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SABC News Ramaphosa Jagersfontein PresidencyZA
Skhangiwe Mthiyane
12 September 2022, 17:48 [SAST]
Reading Time: 3minutes
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured displaced residents of Jagersfontein that government will rebuild their houses. Ramaphosa has been addressing residents in Fauresmith which is a nearby town to Jagersfontein.
A mine dam collapse has left a trail of destruction in Jagersfontein, leaving scores of residents homeless.
Ramaphosa says the cause of the incident would be investigated. One person has been confirmed dead. The President says he has also visited the injured residents who are still hospitalised.
More than 80 people were taken to various hospitals in the Free State, mostly treated for hypothermia. Most of them have since been discharged.
President Ramaphosa visits Fauresmith following mine dam collapse:
R20 million set aside to assist affected residents
Jagersfontein Developments in the Free State says it is devastated by the mine dam that collapsed at its property which has left a trail of destruction in the area. The company says it has set aside R20 million to assist the affected residents.
Jagersfontein Developments spokesperson, Leigh-Ann Carey, says the treatment facility has stabilised activity at the dam and that waste water is not hazardous.
Carey adds that they are cooperating with local authorities while undertaking a full investigation.
VIDEO: Relief operations continue in Jagersfontein
Humanitarian aid organisation, Gift of the Givers, has arrived in Jagersfontein where they will assist disaster-stricken residents.
The organisation’s relief coordinator, Corene Conradie, says they will provide food and clothing including animal feeds. Conradie says they will spend the whole of this week in the area to ensure stability.
Meanwhile, the Free State ANC Interim Provincial Committee spokesperson, Oupa Khoabane, says the collapse of a mine dam in Jagerfontein will exacerbate the already depressing situation faced by the community in the troubled Kopanong Municipality.
Khoabane says this should have taught mining companies to take safety measures seriously.
“As the ANC we are a bit concerned about the conditions and the safety of people as a result of the production that is not assuring the safety of the community. We need to send our heartfelt condolences to the families affected. we hope that the government will assist families that have been affected.”
Jagersfontein Mine | Residents come to terms with the loss and damage following burst dam
