Motorists in Ekurhuleni are being urged to exercise caution and seek alternative routes following the prolonged closure of Johann Rissik Road in Germiston, which has now been inaccessible for nearly three months due to serious safety concerns.

The road has been barricaded with rubble to prevent vehicles from passing through, a measure implemented after visible structural damage raised an alarm.

According to Ward 93 Clr Wendy Morgan, the condition of the road has deteriorated significantly, posing a real danger to motorists.

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Morgan explained that large cracks have appeared along the surface, indicating that the road may be on the verge of collapse.

“This is not the first time we are facing such an issue. The road has collapsed before, and without urgent intervention, it could happen again,” she said.

The situation has sparked growing concern among residents and commuters who rely on the route for daily travel.

Many have questioned the delay in repairs and the apparent lack of a long-term solution to stabilise the area.

An assessment was conducted in January by a geologist. The area was inspected to determine the cause and extent of the problem, allowing for appropriate recommendations for further action to be made.

During visual inspection by the geologist, they noted openings had occurred, which cut across the road.

The depth and the end of the hole couldn’t be determined as the hole extends beyond what the naked eye can see.

Water was observed seeping out from the ground also. According to the geologist, the hole is most probably the result of collapsed mines due to illegal mining activities taking place in the area.

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Morgan said the zama zamas have been a challenge in the area.

“The area is affected by zama zama activities; the operations may be contributing to the instability of the land,” said Morgan.

She previously raised concerns linking such activities to infrastructure damage, pointing to a similar incident on Main Reef Road, which partially collapsed late last year.

That collapse was attributed to underground tunnels believed to have been dug by illegal miners.

“The ongoing illegal mining cannot be ignored. These underground tunnels weaken the ground structure, and our roads end up paying the price. Traffic is also affected,” said Morgan.

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Residents are calling on the city to prioritise a thorough investigation and implement lasting repairs to ensure public safety.

There are also renewed calls for stricter enforcement against illegal mining operations, which continue to pose a threat to infrastructure and communities.

At the time of publication, the city had not provided a clear timeline for when Johann Rissik Road would be repaired or reopened.

Motorists are advised to remain vigilant and use alternative routes while the matter remains unresolved.