A sinkhole on the corner of Sir Duncan Road and Howard Avenue was reported in February and although temporary barricades are in place they are only visible as motorists reach the sinkhole, and they are not steady enough to block oncoming vehicles.

Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher said, “I have been driving this matter with Roads and eThekwini Traffic Authority as well as the eThekwini Roads and Stormwater Departments, as it’s a three-part. The Roads and ETA ensure the Road is safe for motorists in the meantime, whilst waiting for the repair contract to commence.

“The main responsibility of the City is to ensure residents are safe, as seen with the Albert Dlomo Road sinkhole, it took almost nine months before the project was procured, hence my request for proper safety measures to be in place, as one would hate for a vehicle to plunge into this huge crater,” Kristopher said.

Also read: WATCH: Taxi stranded as sinkhole forms

The Glenwood / Bulwer Ratepayers and Residents Association (GBRRA) reckons the sinkhole is a daily threat to motorists, the elderly, school children, and commuters.

“The community’s anxiety is growing daily as the sinkhole widens after heavy rains and flooding, yet no one comes to examine the danger, to assess the damage, and offer solutions. The more it’s left like this the more it is going to be difficult to fix it,” said Louise Stehouwer, the secretary of GBRRA.

Also read: Repairs begin on Albert Dlomo Road sinkhole

“My concern is for residents who will use this road regularly and how safe the hole is as the void beneath is still expanding and it is quite a busy road,” she said.

Fearing for drivers’ safety at night, the GBRRA chairperson Heather Roos added, “We urge the municipality to fix the sinkhole without any delays and in the meantime, install temporary lighting to prevent a tragedy and make hazards visible for drivers after dark. “Stronger and safer measures are needed, as cars still speed past the sinkhole at night, to prevent accidents.”

The City responds:
“The sinkhole on Howard Avenue was caused by the partial collapse of an old brick barrel stormwater system. This legacy infrastructure, constructed before the use of modern concrete pipes, has weakened over time, resulting in sections collapsing inward. The municipality has therefore prioritised a comprehensive, long-term solution, which entails replacing the affected section and adjoining potentially unstable portions with new, durable piping.

“A tender process has been completed, and the recommendation to appoint a contractor is currently undergoing the required municipal adjudication processes. Subject to completion, a contractor is expected to be on site by mid-May.

“In the interim, the Roads and Stormwater Maintenance Directorate has implemented and continues to monitor temporary safety measures, including barricading the affected area. These measures are inspected regularly to ensure public safety. The road remains open, and traffic is able to pass safely with minimal disruption. However, motorists are urged to be vigilant and exercise extreme caution when traveling along the affected road.

“The Municipality appreciates the patience and co-operation of residents. Public safety remains our highest priority, and every effort is being made to restore the area with a sustainable solution.”

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