Our valley was destroyed due to disaster and now it’s a rainy season

MENGE AGNES CHOLEDI

Through the valley that runs in the middle of our town to the river, the a water catchment or a water stream running from the mining side. Down the valley to the river, but now things have changed and everything was destroyed by the torrent of mud sludge that was coming from the dam on that day of the disaster. It took away 30% percent of our soil and grass from the valley and left that useless toxic soil, that is not useful to human beings, animal life, and the
environment itself.
The clean water from our fountain running down the valley to the river is no longer clean again for the animals to drink, due to the mud sludge that is still lying around. Throughout the valley also down the river is a huge concerning issue, is for the fishermen who no longer exist because the river is dead and full of mud and toxic water. It’s a challenge for this mining company to rehabilitate our river and our lives have come to a standstill and hunger is at a high rate.

Now as we all know it’s a rainy season, and it’s a difficult time for our school children walking from Charlesville to the local school which is Boaramelo Combined School. The children have to cross through this chemical water while going to school and others fall into the water. They arrive already wet at school and we are concerned because one day the children will lose their lives in this situation. As parents it’s our duty to make sure the children are safe and secure, we
urge the mine and municipality to build a bridge for our children.