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.
