The Tshwane metro will spend R22,5m to repair the sinkhole on Clifton Avenue and Althea Street circle in Lyttelton Manor, Centurion.

“I am delighted to announce that after almost three years of advocating for the repair of this sinkhole, I successfully argued that this was the most important sinkhole in Centurion to repair,” said ward 70 councillor David Farquharson.

He said that was one of the busiest circles in Centurion.

“Work commenced on Monday and the basics have been put in place, such as the clearing and securing of the site, and erecting the site buildings.

“This was made possible by the mayor and MMC of Finance’s aggressive revenue recovery actions. Previously, there had not been enough money in the budget, and we didn’t know where the money would come from.”

“The sinkhole impedes on critical health care facilities such as Centurion Hospice, Unitas hospital, and the eye hospital, which are located in this area.”

Farquharson said especially emergency services were impaired.

Farquharson said the metro’s contractors hoped to finish the project in under nine months.

“Holes were drilled all around the sinkhole, which will be grouted, and then the sinkhole cavity will be plucked with cement.”