Twelve social workers have been deployed to assist affected residents with psychosocial services to all residents who were traumatised following the incident which left them homeless after their homes, cars, and other belongings were swiped away by a strong stream of sludge. The department’s spokesperson, Lindiwe Mnguni, said that since the day of the incident they have been receiving great support from various organisations and have managed to set up a food and clothing bank for those left homeless. The provincial government stated that extensive work is being done to restore basic services such as water, sanitation, and waste removal in all the affected areas of Jagersfontein. The provincial government also confirmed that the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has also deployed a mobile unit to help the affected community in accessing their grants.

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OFM News previously reported that Lefa Shale, a community leader, stated that residents met with several lawyers to discuss and map the way forward in suing the mine in question. Shale said that residents had not agreed on the amount or completely taken a decision to make an application in court yet, as some of the affected residents are still housed in shelters following the tragedy that claimed one life and left scores injured and one missing.

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On 5 December 2018, the municipality, with the assistance of some leaders in the area, allegedly damaged water infrastructure belonging to the mine. The municipal spokesperson, Solomzi Phama, told OFM News at the time that they had merely cut off the water supply to get mine management to come to the table and address the community on their many concerns.

ALSO READ: Jagersfontein mine, FS municipality to square off in High Court today

Meanwhile, Bloem Water has confirmed that residents of Jagersfontein in the Free State and surrounding areas can consume water without fear of contamination. This is after the entity’s Operations and Maintenance Manager, Maruping Rapudungoane, stated that the water quality in the area is regularly tested to see if there have been any changes and so far the water quality adheres to the SANS 241 standard and is safe for consumption.

ALSO READ - #JagersfonteinDisaster: Water is safe for consumption

Premier Sisi Ntombela stated that she had met with community members from Itumeleng and was informed of a 70-year-old man who has also been missing since the day of the disaster. This is in addition to a 50-year-old who was initially reported missing. 

ALSO READ: Two still missing after #JagersfonteinDisaster

OFM News