Progress has been made regarding the collapsed stormwater infrastructure situated in the park along Lester and Trollip streets in Brenthurst.

As previously reported by the Brakpan Herald, a deep ditch formed in the playground of the park in April, raising serious safety concerns.

The ditch, concealed by overgrown grass, raised fears that it could collapse into the stormwater pipe below.

Following the initial collapse, the Department of Water and Sanitation appointed a contractor to conduct a full investigation and prepare the required scope of works.

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According to Ward 97 Clr Brandon Pretorius, the contractor has now completed the investigation by trenching and exposing the affected infrastructure.

“It has been confirmed that the collapse was not caused by external factors but rather by the age of the infrastructure,” he told the Herald.

“The original stormwater system was constructed using masonry methods common at the time of installation.

“Modern engineering standards now utilise reinforced precast concrete stormwater structures, which provide significantly greater strength, durability and longevity.”

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He confirmed that construction is now underway.

“The contractor is replacing the entire damaged section of the stormwater infrastructure through the park with modern infrastructure designed to serve the community for many years to come,” said Pretorius.

“The timing of these works is particularly important, and undertaking the replacement during the dry winter months reduces the impact on residents and allows construction to proceed without the challenges associated with heavy rainfall or increased stormwater flows.”

He added that the project is currently on schedule with completion anticipated by the end of August.