MODDERFONTEIN LIFE
Your CAERing Committee
Most Modderfontein residents moved here to enjoy the country-style living environment within a stone ’ s throw of all the facilities of Johannesburg . Many don ’ t realise that there is still a large industrial complex located here or that there is a dedicated group of people who are looking after their interests . The Community Awareness and Emergency Response ( CAER ) Committee is that body . It exists to provide a communication channel between the businesses operating in Modderfontein Industrial Complex – especially AEL Mining Services ( AELMS ) – and the communities surrounding it , within a seven km radius . The committee meets every second month . Issues of concern are raised and items needing to be communicated in the area are advised .
The CAER Committee was set up in January 1995 as a result of AE- CI ’ s commitment to Responsible Care , a worldwide chemical industry initiative . A charter was signed between AECI and the communities surrounding the complex which established a partnership relating to the impact of the complex on its surrounding environment for the mutual benefit of both parties and the environment as a whole .
While the level of risk posed by operations at Modder has been significantly reduced since the CAER Committee was formed , it still meets every two months to discuss and debate the impact of the site on the community . The security and emergency services department of AELMS arranges an emergency exercise annually , generally in November . Various scenarios are tested to ensure the preparedness of the organisation to handle any situation in Modderfontein .
Estate management offices issue A5 leaflets to residents which advise what to do if they hear the undulating siren at any time other than NOON on Fridays when it is tested . This is a CAER initiative . If you do not have a copy of this leaflet , please see your estate manager . Read it and keep your family , employees and tenants advised of its contents .
The CAER Committee Modderfontein representatives are Margie Pretorius in Lakeside Village ( left ), Keith Martin ( middle ) in Thornhill Estate and Robbie Vermont ( right ) in Thornhill Manor . Anyone with any concerns relating to manufacturing operations within the Modderfontein Industrial Complex is welcome to contact their representative and , if he or she cannot answer their query , an answer will be found .