Mining group Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has handed over three new water infrastructure projects to the residents of Thabazimbi, in Limpopo.
As part of the company’s social and labour plan commitments for its Amandelbult operations, Amplats invested nearly R34-million in the projects.
“Social and labour plans are a crucial instrument for collaborative governance and socioeconomic development in mining host communities. The handover of these water projects is aligned with our Sustainable Mining Plan commitments which are to promote a healthy environment and thriving communities in the areas we operate beyond the life cycle of the mine,” explains Amplats corporate affairs and sustainable impact executive head Yvonne Mfolo.
These projects, which created 205 direct employment opportunities during the construction phase, included the refurbishment of a 10-million-litre water reservoir to help lessen the strain on the Thabazimbi municipality’s water systems and improve water security for over 35 000 households.
Further, inlet pipes from the bulk water network were connected with the newly constructed reservoir and wastewater equipment has been provided to the Thabazimbi local municipality to improve its waste collection efforts.
In addition, a much-needed wastewater treatment plant will benefit communities in Northam.
Construction of the plant, which was previously delayed owing to a lack of municipal funds, will be managed by Amplats for 24 months after construction, allowing sufficient time for skills transfer to the municipality to ensure the continued efficient management of the facility.
“Today is a special day for the host communities of Thabazimbi. Clean access to water is a human right and I am glad that our people will be able to gain dignity because of these water projects that we are collaborating with Anglo American Platinum on,” concluded Thabazimbi municipality mayor Judith Mogapi.