Worsening road conditions in Elsburg have become a growing concern for residents, with the most notable damage reported at the intersection of Machine and Van Riebeeck streets.
The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing heavy downpours, which continue to accelerate the deterioration of already damaged roads across the area.
Ward 39 Councillor Jean Ingram has raised concerns about the state of infrastructure, highlighting the significant impact on local communities and motorists.
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While Machine and Van Riebeeck streets remain the primary focus due to the developing sinkhole, Ingram noted that several other roads are also in poor condition, including Wassenaar Street, Cruywagen Street, and Botha Street.
Although some of these roads have undergone patchwork repairs, Ingram said the improvements have been short-lived.
“Botha Street was patched, but it has deteriorated again. Vehicles are forced to navigate through multiple potholes, almost like driving through a maze,” she said.
She added that Wassenaar Street is among the worst affected, with potholes that are increasingly difficult for motorists to avoid.
“In some areas, driving at night has become particularly dangerous due to poor road conditions and non-functioning streetlights, increasing the risk of accidents,” Ingram explained.
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Referring specifically to Machine and Van Riebeeck streets, Ingram said the city initiated repairs on the sinkhole in early January. However, the rehabilitation of the road surface has yet to be completed.
“Motorists continue to struggle to use these roads, and the problem is only getting worse,” she said.
Ingram also pointed out that infrastructure challenges in Elsburg extend beyond roads, with ongoing electricity issues and crime remaining major concerns for residents.
She urged the community to remain proactive and united in addressing these challenges.
“We encourage residents to work together with law enforcement and continue reporting service delivery issues so that they can receive the attention they deserve,” she said.
The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed that it has received reports regarding the hazardous road condition at the corner of Machine and Van Riebeeck streets.
“Upon assessment, the defect has been confirmed to be a sinkhole,” said the city through email.
“Immediate safety measures were initially implemented, including barricading the affected area. However, due to the high volume of traffic using the road, these barricades were damaged and subsequently compromised.”
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City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini added that the municipality became aware of the defect approximately two years ago, when it initially presented as a minor pothole.
He said over time, the situation worsened significantly due to the failure and detachment of underground stormwater infrastructure, resulting in the formation of a sinkhole.
“The city acknowledges the impact this has had on local businesses, including access challenges for delivery vehicles. To mitigate further economic disruption, repairs to the stormwater system have already been completed.”
“The remaining work involves reinstating the road layers and surface, with completion anticipated by the end of May.
“The primary cause of the sinkhole has been identified as underground infrastructure failure, compounded by increasing volumes of heavy traffic in the area.”
Dlamini adds that while no claims or incidents linked to this specific sinkhole have been reported to date, the city notes that it may be liable for third-party claims should damage or injury occur as a result of the defect.
“The rehabilitation project is currently underway, with Phase 1, reconstruction of the stormwater system, already completed. The final phase will focus on full road reinstatement, which will be a permanent reconstruction rather than a temporary repair,” said Dlamini.
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“The city is utilising internal teams to carry out the work, with an estimated cost of approximately R100 000, primarily for the hiring of excavation equipment.
“Responsibility for road maintenance in Elsburg falls under the Germiston Depot. Under normal circumstances, pothole repairs would be addressed within 72 hours. However, sinkholes are treated as priority infrastructure failures, particularly when located on key economic and transport routes.
“In prioritising repairs, the city places emphasis on strategic roads and business routes to minimise safety risks and economic impact. This particular site has been prioritised accordingly,” said Dlamini.
