Waterkwessies, met spesifieke verwysing na die uitwerking van wateronttrekking op die landboubedryf in die Oberholzerdistrik (Carltonville-gebied), 1959 - 1972

Abstract

Pressure on water is, of course, inversely proportional to population growth and the concomitant expansion of agriculture, commerce and industry. Put simply - a growing population imposes ever greater demands on limited water resources. South Africa's early industrialisation saw a concerted effort by the various governments to develop the Witwatersrand. This process went ahead with little consideration being given to the provision of water, beyond the immediate needs of the population at that time. This shortsightedness is now having a dramatic effect on some communities. One such community is Carltonville. The discovery and exploitation of goldmines was to exert pressure on the natural resources of this region. The over-exploitation of alluvial water by the mines led to the existing situation of sinkholes, contaminated water supplies and a threatened agriculture.