March 22 is World Water Day. The annual United Nations observance day focusses on the importance of fresh water.
In its 31st year now, the theme for 2024 is “Leveraging Water for Peace”.
This day is aimed at raising awareness about the 2.2 billion people without access to safe water.
This figure includes the thousands of people who live in a mining village in South Africa’s “Platinum Province” – the North West.
The People of Maditlokwa have been battling with access to safe drinkable water for 7 months. This after they discovered water-insoluble small black particles in the water supplied to them by Tharisa mine that operates in the area.
The mine is adamant that the water it supplies is clean and safe for drinking regardless of the presence of small black particles.
Rustenburg Municipality carried out tests on the water on 15 February 2024, using samples taken from Maditlokwa 4 Shaft and Maditlokwa Sector 4. BGTN has viewed the results. It’s been established that the water contains a combined nitrate and nitrite level of 6.90 for the water from Maditloka 4 Shaft, and a combined nitrate and nitrite reading of 7.90 for Maditlokwa Sector 4 water. These figures are significantly higher than the South African National Standard 241, that limits the level of combined nitrate and nitrite at less than 1.
Surely something should be done to improve the water quality, instead, the mine responsible for the supply of water has taken a different route and applied for an urgent interdict against the activists who brought the matter to the attention of the media.
BRICS Global Television Network has also received a scathing letter from Tharisa mine, demanding that the Channel pull down the first water catastrophe report, or face legal action.
Inga Mzileni Reports:
