Anglo American’s Isibonelo operation and the Govan Mbeki Municipality have signed a memorandum of agreement focused on improving sanitation in the communities of Lebohang and Emzinoni in Mpumalanga. Signed in April 2014, the agreement signals the launch of a R27 million infrastructure development project that forms part of the mine’s Social and Labour Plan which was agreed with the local municipality.

Existing sanitation infrastructure in Lebohang Extension 16 is in poor condition and, after numerous instances of equipment malfunction, parts of the structure are either defective or show clear signs of deterioration. The mine will replace the existing sewer line and main outfall network at a cost of R22 million.

The second component of the project involves a R5.7 million replacement of two of the four failing pump stations in Emzinoni.

“At Anglo American, we aim to ensure that local communities benefit from our presence in the area. This includes improving service delivery by enhancing the capacity of local municipalities,” says Isibonelo mine’s general manager Dirk Miller.

Miller says this project will improve community health and living standards and provides an example of what can be achieved through partnership between the private and public sectors.

“The municipality is excited about this initiative. This type of partnership will benefit the people, who want to see development,” said Councillor Sakhile Mahlangu, a member of the mayoral committee for planning and development at the Govan Mbeki Municipality.

Black-owned businesses based in Lebohang and Emzinoni will carry out the work to facilitate employment creation and skills transfer. Both projects are due for completion by the end of 2014.