Illegal mining costing city millions warns Joburg mayor

Herman Mashaba says the CoJ has reported R12.5 million worth of damages because of damage to the road infrastructure system.

The City of Johannesburg's Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba has called for immediate intervention by City officials, stakeholders, entities and public-sector policing.

This is due to increased reports of theft and vandalism of road-related infrastructure, and illegal mining with the use of explosives near highways, Transnet bulk fuel supply and Sasol gas pipelines travelling across the City.

Mashaba conducted a walkabout on Wednesday afternoon in high-risk areas of illegal mining areas to assess the risks and damages.

Two weeks ago I held a press conference taking our residents into our confidence around the state of our overall infrastructure.

Herman Mashaba, Johannesburg Executive Mayor

Recently the MMC of transport Councillor Nonhlanhla Makhuba brought the illegal mining activities to my attention, exclaims Mashaba.

He says the miners use dynamite to mine and raises concerns about safety and possible loss of lives.

Today, I'm accompanied by team officials from the home affairs and energy departments. I told them, if the illegal mining doesn't stop, I will hold national government accountable for any loss of lives and damage to our ailing infrastructure.

Herman Mashaba, Johannesburg Executive Mayor

Mashaba goes on to says the City of Johannesburg has reported R12.5 million worth of damages because of damage to the road infrastructure system and another R4.5 million towards insurance claims.

This is not going to happen under my watch.

Herman Mashaba, Johannesburg Executive Mayor

High Risk Areas due to Illegal Mining Activity:

• Main Reef Road and Nasrec Road remain vulnerable due to the erosion of underground supporting pillars.

• M1 North Double Decker section, integrity possibly compromised due to illegal blasting activities.

• Randfontein Road at Matholesville, illegal mining operations taking place next to the fuel pipelines servitude. Risk of damage is very high.

• FNB stadium, mining next to pipelines could have a devastating impact if ignited.

• Zamimpilo informal settlement at high risk due exposed pipes in the inspection hole.

• Bravo Group remain vulnerable with recurrence of sinkholes within their property due to repeated tremors experienced during blasting. The risk of damage is high.

• Various spots have been identified, with tunnelling visible on the surface along the M2 East off ramp.

Listen to the full interview with the mayor here:

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