The FNB sports Stadium could collapse if illegal mining
is not tackled.
This is according to Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba.
According to Mashaba, Joburg buldings risks facing structural damage due to the use of explosives near highways by zama zamas.
Mashaba has written a letter to Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe for intervention.
“The consequences of the illegal use of explosives in decommissioned mines have disastrous consequences for the residents of Johannesburg as it can lead to serious injuries, loss of life and will put an enormous strain on our emergency services should a burst pipeline give to rise to a fire,” he said.
Mashaba said that Last year, he called for a collaborative crackdown operation with the Department of Mineral Resources, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Roads and Transport, JMPD, SAPS and Hawks to tackle illegal mining activities.
“Of significance is the Nasrec precinct where the pipelines intersects with SASOL gas lines.
“ Investigations have revealed that if illegal mining activity continues within these old mining shafts, the entire FNB Nasrec precinct, including the iconic FNB stadium, could go down in ruins as a result of unstable earth directly underneath the area,” he said.
According to Mashaba, illegal mining and the use of explosives has resulted in tremors, which risks the structural integrity of the City’s roads.
