Repair work on the long-standing sinkhole in Alberante Security Village has finally begun after months of community concern, municipal delays and repeated safety warnings from residents.

The sinkhole, located in a frequently used open servitude popular with families, children and dog walkers, had remained unrepaired for several months despite multiple reports of it expanding after heavy rainfall.

The Alberton Record first published a detailed report on May 17, highlighting residents’ growing fears about the sinkhole’s dangerous condition and the risk it posed to the public.

At the time, residents said the sinkhole had already been reported months earlier through the city’s reporting system and escalated to Ward 106 Clr Tim Denny and Ward 106 committee member Nina McFarlane.

Concerns intensified as the hole continued to expand after rainfall, with residents warning that the surrounding ground was becoming unstable due to erosion from a damaged stormwater pipe beneath the surface.

The servitude, widely used as a recreational green space, became a major concern due to its accessibility to children and pets.

Denny previously described the situation as extremely dangerous, warning that a fall into the sinkhole could be fatal.

Residents also said they had been forced to cordon off parts of the area themselves with cones and caution tape while awaiting the municipality’s intervention.

City response and technical findings

On May 28, the City of Ekurhuleni responded to questions raised following the May 17 report, confirming that the sinkhole had been caused by a collapsed stormwater pipe.

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the pipe failure was linked to heavy rainfall and flash flooding.

“The pipe burst due to a flash flood from a large volume of rainwater. It is the main collector pipe running from Meyersdal right through to Newmarket stream,” said Dlamini.

He added that the area was initially secured after the incident, with access restricted and a guard posted at the park entrance to prevent the public from entering due to safety concerns.

The city also confirmed that engineering assessments identified the collapsed stormwater pipe as part of a major drainage system running through Meyersdal towards the Newmarket stream.

Residents dispute city’s safety claims

The city said the sinkhole was safeguarded immediately after it occurred and that access to the area had been restricted due to safety concerns.

According to the municipality, a guard was stationed near the gate next to the park and security personnel were instructed not to allow people into the area until repairs were completed.

However, Leanne Trim of the Alberante-Randhart Security Village (ARSV) disputed the city’s assertion that adequate safety measures had been put in place.

“Yes, repair work has started, but the hole is still lying open, and residents have again been left to ensure that the caution tape and cones remain in place for everyone’s safety,” said Trim.

She said the city had not provided any protective equipment to secure the area.

According to Trim, the security personnel monitoring the area are employed and paid by residents, not by the municipality.

“It is our security that is paid for by the residents. However, it is not their job to watch the sinkhole. That is ridiculous for them to say that,” she said.

Trim added that, according to Denny, the relevant department is currently sourcing the correct replacement pipe and that work on the site is expected to resume by the end of the week.

Why were repairs delayed?

According to the municipality, the delay in commencing repairs was caused by saturated ground conditions that made digging unsafe, as well as by multiple underground services running parallel to the damaged pipe.

Dlamini said these conditions made it difficult for repair teams to safely access the site and proceed with full groundwork.

The city has now confirmed that conditions have improved sufficiently for repair work to begin, with teams currently on site.

Dlamini said the project is complex due to the scale of the stormwater infrastructure and the need to work around existing services in the area.

The repairs are expected to continue over the next few months until completion.

The municipality maintains that the area remains restricted and unsafe to the public until all repairs are completed.

WATCH: Residents fear for safety as Alberante sinkhole remains unrepaired for months