About Us

The Far West Rand Dolomitic Water Association (FWRDWA) was established in 1964 by all the Mine houses in the Westonaria, Randfontein and Carletonville areas.

The mines started pumping water from the underground water pockets to improve the mining conditions. This resulted in sinkholes appearing. Sinkholes were not the only problem, farmers complained that their water supply had also decreased and, in some cases, had dried up completely.

The mine houses collectively decided to form and finance the FWRDWA to buy out all farms and houses that might have been affected and prevent future claims for compensation.

GROUND STABILITY AND SINKHOLE MANAGEMENT 

The Ground Stability Unit is responsible for ongoing monitoring, inspection, and research within the dewatered Oberholzer, Bank, and Venterspost Dolomitic Water Compartments, as well as the non-dewatered Boskop-Turffontein Compartment, property which is predominantly owned by the FWRDWA. This includes regular levelling surveys, visual inspections, and rainfall recording across the defined area. This work ensures that ground conditions, water levels, and the effects of dewatering are continuously assessed and documented to maintain the structural integrity and safety of the area.

In addition to field monitoring, the Unit conducts applied research on dewatering impacts, ensures sustainable water management practices and performs risk assessments for land, buildings, and sinkholes. The Unit maintains an updated database on ground movement trends, prepares and supplies technical plans, drawings, and reports, and actively participates in FWRDWA meetings, where expert advice is provided on ground stability, water-related risks, and geotechnical implications of dewatering and potential rewatering. The role extends to identifying and managing ground instability, assessing the causes of sinkhole formation, and recommending mitigation and rehabilitation measures.

A preventative and advisory role includes the monitoring of high-risk zones, inspecting stormwater management practices, and ensuring that appropriate safety and remedial measures are implemented by the FWRDWA. Where necessary, rehabilitation efforts are coordinated, including borehole drilling and sinkhole backfilling, with recording of such activities. Acting as the Association’s geotechnical and stability specialists, assistance is provided for informed decision-making to ensure that all obligations arising from dewatering activities are met responsibly and in the best interests of public safety and environmental stewardship.

CURRENTLY THE FWRDWA :

  • is renting properties to farmers where it is safe to farm in compliance to the terms and conditions of the Association. The same rules apply for all rentals within towns.

  • Is selling some of the properties, provided same include a ground stability report that indicate all the pros and cons of the said property. In other words what the purchaser is allowed to do with the property once purchased.

  • Is reducing its footprint and facilitate development where possible. An estimated 15 000 ha has been identified for agriculture upscaling, new agri development and renewable energy projects.

  • Is determined to ensure financial sustainability and independence to proceed with its mandate in terms of its Constitution, especially considering mine closures envisaged in the area.