[02/21/2011] Tudor Shaft Informal Settlement in Krugersdorp is built on top of mine tailings and is surrounded by land contaminated by mining activities and radioactive dumps
Residents of Tudor Shaft Informal Settlement in Krugersdorp are refusing to be relocated to another area after warnings that radiation levels have reached dangerous levels.
LIVHUWANI MAMMBURU
Published: 2011/02/21 03:00:28 PM
World expert in uranium products, Professor Chris Busby, has reported that the community should leave immediately as radiation levels are 15 times higher than normal in the area.
Tudor Shaft Informal Settlement in Krugersdorp is built on top of mine tailings and is surrounded by land contaminated by mining activities and radioactive dumps.
The National Nuclear Regulator and Mogale City Municipality informed the residents last week on Friday that they have to relocate because of high levels of radiation in the area. Attempts to get hold of Mogale City Municipality spokesperson Nkosana Zali for comments were fruitless as his cellphone was unanswered. National Nuclear Regulator spokesperson Gino Moonsamy said he would comment on the story later once he had more details.
Last Year November Busby visited the informal settlement and tested mine dumps around Krugersdorp and warned that radiation levels were 15 times higher than normal. Community leader at Tudor Shaft Informal Settlement Siza Mokhutshoane denies that the residents are refusing to move. “The problem is that Mogale municipality is moving us to an area where there is not water. We know that the area where we are living now is not safe for human habitation. The residents said they are not going anywhere until the municipality make sure that there is water where they are being relocated,” Mokhutshoane said.