Keorapetse urges Masisi to intervene in Phikwe tremors
Innocent Selatlhwa | Monday January 29, 2024 06:01
A letter dated January 23, 2024, highlights the distress faced by residents of the former mining town, reminiscent of the unsettling period between 2017 and 2019. "Around December 2023, residents of Selebi-Phikwe reported earth tremors similar to the ones we have experienced during the above mentioned period.
I am informed, from answers provided in Parliament on questions I have asked and interactions with mining engineers and geologists, that these tremors are a result of chunks of massive rocks and earth falling and collapsing of the old BCL mining tunnels,'' read the letter. "The tremors are severe around Meepong CJSS, entire Newstands extending to Syringa lodge and BCL township. They are also felt in Botshabelo and Distands areas," he stated. Keorapetse draws attention to the gravity of the situation, stating, "The house would be shaking as the loud bang strikes.
This is frighteningly unbearable, and the people do not have peace of mind as they fear sinkhole collapses." The LoO also emphasised the abrupt halt in dewatering activities, a measure previously effective in mitigating the tremors. Keorapetse questions the wisdom of neglecting commercial opportunities, as two companies had expressed interest in the Selebi-Phikwe shafts.
He urges an immediate resumption of dewatering to prevent an impending disaster and ease the anxiety of the residents. “As I have indicated, this happened previously and it stopped when the dewatering of the shafts was resumed after it was stopped by the Previous Liquidator acting recklessly without any authorisation from the Director of Mines or the Minister," he said. "Your Excellency, we wonder why dewatering was stopped when the result of such is well known. Moreover, two companies had expressed interest in the Phikwe shafts, Number 3 and South East.
Why would these be sterilised when there could be commercial value? Why are they flooded when we know exactly what would happen in terms of tremors and other disasters which may occur? I therefore ask that you order an immediate resumption of dewatering of tunnels to stop the tremors and avert an impending disaster.
This would also ease the anxiety of the residents of this town. It would also calm anxious tourists or visitors who are always unsettled by these conditions,” he further stated. In his letter, Keorapetse seeks Presidential intervention, stating, "I write to you because this matter has been previously handled by two successive Ministers responsible for mines, namely Eric Molale and Lefoko Moagi as it appears there is no clear end in sight regarding the same. It is for this reason that I ask for the intervention of the high office of the President."
The Selibe-Phikwe West legislator further requests that the relevant Minister (Moagi) addresses Phikwe residents, providing assurance and transparency on the measures being taken. Additionally, he urges the sharing of the Botswana Geoscience Institute Report from October 7, 2019, which outlines recommendations to avert tremors and potential disasters.