Sabi Mine: Plight of workers turns into catastrophe

The plight of the remaining workers at Sabi Gold Mine has degenerated into a catastrophe following the closure of the mine in June.

As a result of the power cuts, the water system was switched off, leaving the residents without water supply.

People who reside at the mine are now consuming unsafe water from the mine dam while relieving themselves in the nearby bushes.

With the rainy season set to get into full swing, the workers are now living in fear of a disease outbreak and a debilitating health hazard.

“We relieve ourselves in the bush. What this means is that when the rain starts to fall, all this waste risks being carried to the dam where we take our water.

“Obviously the health disaster that will befall us here is unimaginable,” said one former worker.

The workers’ school-going children have not been spared as some have already dropped out of school due to economic hardships.

Approximately half of the 500 workers who were employed at the mine have remained behind hoping that the mine will reopen.

They say they have nowhere else to go.