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Early Sunday morning, 11 September 2022, the slime dam in Jagersfontein, in the Xhariep District, burst its walls. The slime dams’ water has run through various areas of Jagersfontein and the surrounding areas. The extent if the damage is currently being assessed and the DA has sent representatives to determine what is required.

Currently, the extent of the damage, injury or loss of life is unknown but from initial reports it is significant.

The DA has been in contact with the Xhariep Disaster Management Centre (DMC) concerning their response. The Xhariep DMC has indicated that no funds are available to respond and that it is still awaiting approval. The Premier of the Free State, Sisi Ntombela confirmed to the DA Free State leader, Roy Jankielsohn, that the Provincial DMC has been activated.

The DA will assist the community of Jagersfontein and surrounding areas in any way possible. Regrettably, the disaster has raised multiple questions;

• Why are there houses in the path of the water flow?
• What caused the slime dam to break?
• What additional problems will be caused by harmful materials in the slime water?

The DA will ensure that these questions and more will be answered by the Free State Provincial Government. We will continue to monitor the situation and extend a helping hand to everyone affected by this disaster.

Our hearts go out to the people of Jagersfontein during this difficult time.

Issued by Estelle Noordman - Cllr Kopanong Local Municipality