Residents decry deteriorating state of the Boksburg Lake

Environmental experts have warned of the historical mismanagement of mines that fail to adhere to maintenance regulations enforced by the Department of Mineral Resources. This follows public alarm in Boksburg, where residents say their local lake has turned a rusty red, reportedly due to acid mine drainage. 

Over recent weeks, the Boksburg Lake has been plagued with discoloured water, a strong foul odour, and dead fish.

Residents say the environmental changes are affecting their health and quality of life, as they can no longer open their windows due to the persistent smell from the lake. They also claim that the tainted water is flowing into their homes. 

“Our water source comes from the dam,” says resident Mellisa Smith.

“When we open our taps in the morning, for the first time it looks like there’s mud coming through the water. Then the water gets cleared out. We think it comes from the dam because why is the water dirty? And it’s dangerous for our children. We have small children. We can’t expose them to that water,” she adds. 

Residents feel robbed of what was once a beautiful nature reserve. A once vibrant lake, home to ducks and a popular spot for family recreation, has now become a health hazard. 

“On Friday, when I passed, I saw the water changing and I asked myself what could be the cause. Then I realized the last time the fish was out of the dam was in 2023, and something was wrong there because fish were dying back then, too,” says another resident. 

Another resident says, “It’s a problem because sometimes it’s fish-smelly and brown. They are doing nothing about this dam. This is not the first time, and there’s still nothing being done.” 

Environmental expert Bobby Peek, from the advocacy group Ground Work, says the problem is widespread and reflects a broader crisis in the country.

“This is just a historical reality. The majority of our mines in this country are not managed and monitored by the Department of Mineral Resources or the Department of Water and Sanitation,” says Peek.

“As a result, we have a crisis of acid mine drainage, and it’s not only in Boksburg. It’s happening in the West Rand, Mpumalanga, and the Free State as well,” he adds. 

Residents are now pleading for some form of intervention to resolve what they describe as an environmental disaster at the Boksburg Lake.