WATCH: Immediate action demanded over Rondebult sinkhole

DA councillors and community activists picketed on the corner of Pretoria and Rondebult roads this morning (March 10) in protest against the lack of action to repair the sinkhole, which has been left unrepaired for two years.

Those who participated in the protest wielded placards with messages including, “No more excuses, fix the sinkhole,” “Tired of detours, fix the road,” and “Our patience is sinking faster than the road”.

Meanwhile, motorists passing the protesters hooted in support, showing solidarity with the demonstration.

According to Gauteng Provincial Legislature member Ruhan Robinson, they demand immediate action to repair

“This is a core issue that the government should be addressing, whether it is on a local, provincial or national level.

I will be making a statement in the legislature, and councillors are also applying pressure in council to get this road fixed,” said Robinson.

“The government has taken no action. They have simply produced a report stating that undermining caused the sinkhole and that it will take a large amount of money to fix. To date, no budget has been allocated that is remotely sufficient to resolve the issue,” he added.

Robinson pointed out that traffic along Pretoria Road has been increasing, and the road is not suitable for the volume of vehicles using it.

“People are late for work, businesses are losing money, and frankly, it’s a nightmare for anyone trying to get in and around Boksburg during peak hours.”

Plantation resident John Goddard (64), who has lived in the area for 35 years, joined the protest due to the impact the sinkhole has had on his daily life.

“The traffic has been a nightmare in my area. People from all over are now driving through Plantation, and we’ve already been struggling with traffic issues due to a damaged bridge caused by the explosion in 2022,” said Goddard.

Also Read: FOLLOW-UP: VIDEO: City of Ekurhuleni cannot afford to fix sinkholes