Main Reef Road collapse sparks safety fears in Germiston
The ward councillor said Main Reef Road will remain closed indefinitely while they try to get the City to attend to the problem.
Residents’ fears regarding the collapse of Main Reef Road have come to pass.
One of the busiest routes connecting Germiston, Boksburg and surrounding areas has been closed to motorists after a sudden collapse believed to be linked to illegal mining activity and recent heavy rains.
The closure has caused major traffic disruptions and renewed concerns over public safety as the ground continues to deteriorate.
According to ward councillor Wendy Morgan, the cave-in occurred after the heavy rains, and the damage has been escalating ever since.
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“We inspected the site and put up cones to warn motorists, as we saw that the roadway’s structural stability had been compromised,” said Morgan.
She added that they strongly suspect illegal mining beneath the surface is the main cause of the collapse.
“This area has long been targeted by zama zamas, and the ground has been hollowed out to the point where it can no longer support the weight of vehicles. This was a disaster waiting to happen,” Morgan said.
Mayor’s recent visit
Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza recently visited the site after the CPF warned that the situation was spiralling out of control and required immediate, coordinated action. Both the Mayor’s office and the MEC’s office confirmed that intervention can no longer be delayed.
One of the concerns raised during the site inspection was the risk posed to critical infrastructure, including the N3 highway, which could be compromised if illegal mining continues.
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Morgan said Main Reef Road will remain closed indefinitely while they try to get the City to attend to the problem.
“I have reported the matter to the relevant department. At this point, we do not know the depth or extent of the underground cavities, or whether further collapse could occur,” she said. She also urged motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes until the road is declared safe.
Illegal mining: a growing threat to infrastructure
Illegal mining remains one of the most serious challenges facing the area. The practice endangers the miners themselves and also compromises critical infrastructure, including roads, pipelines and electricity and water networks.
Morgan and residents have stressed that urgent intervention from law enforcement and national government is needed.
“Until illegal mining is stopped, our communities will continue facing danger.
“We cannot repair a road today only for it to collapse again because criminals keep digging tunnels underneath. We hope this will be a warning that pushes for a permanent solution to deal with illegal mining,” said Morgan.
The collapse of Main Reef Road may be a warning sign of bigger and more dangerous incidents to come if illegal mining is not treated as an urgent priority. In the meantime, the councillor has urged motorists to use alternative routes and avoid Main Reef Road.
