An awareness plan for the Tlokwe dolomite risk management strategy

Abstract

Vulnerable communities residing on dolomitic land in the jurisdiction of the Tlokwe City Council are faced with the hazard of possible sinkhole formation and the associated risk of losing lives or damage to infrastructure and homes. The anthropogenic factors leading to dolomite instability and sinkhole formation can be mitigated by creating dolomite risk awareness with institutional and affected stakeholders. Dolomite risk awareness actions were therefore implemented as part of the Tlokwe Dolomite Risk Management Strategy. This study researched the causes of sinkhole formation the effect on stakeholders and the evolution of the dolomite awareness actions, which were implemented as part of the Dolomite Stability Investigation phases as well as the phases of the Dolomite Risk Management Strategy, through interviews and feedback of stakeholders by means of door-to-door campaigns, workshops and focus groups. This implementation capacitated the affected community and decision makers to take ownership of the hazard and become partners in mitigating the risk associated with dolomite and sinkholes. As part of this implementation, dolomite risk awareness material was developed, which included an awareness documentary and leaflets. Forums, door-to-door awareness, a dolomite helpline, workshops and media engagement were used as vehicles to implement dolomite risk awareness. Based on perceived gaps and responses from stakeholders, the dolomite risk awareness actions were supplemented and aligned with community expectations and needs. In conclusion to this study, gaps were identified and recommendations made for implementation of a dolomite risk awareness plan for similar projects. A conceptual framework for the compilation of a dolomite risk awareness plan was proposed to serve as a tool for the implementation of the various phases of a Dolomite Risk Management Strategy