The sinkhole that fell in, in Rev. Phetlhu Street in Ikageng on Wednesday has residents on tenterhooks.
The hole is believed to have been caused by a leaking waterline in the area that has eroded the dolomite upon which the area is built. The sinkhole is about 4 metres deep.
Willie Maphosa, municipal spokesperson, confirmed on Wednesday that there had been a dolomitic subsidence in the area. He also confirmed that water leakage and ageing infrastructure exacerbate the dolomitic condition. “The safety of the residents is paramount and securing people who may be in immediate danger is what we are initially concerned with,” he said.
In light of the incident, an emergency meeting with the disaster management and other relevant parties was convened.
“Maphosa says whilst the scale and seriousness of the incident is still being determined, immediate precautionary measures are being taken to safeguard the lives of residents in the nearby vicinity. The situation is under control and is being managed well.
Maphosa explained that the road has been closed and the affected area is being cordoned off. “Our Department of Housing and Planning and Ages, the consulting dolomite managers of the municipality, are still analysing data to determine the seriousness of the incident,” he said. Maphosa issued a serious warning to the community and urged all residents in the area to keep the children away from the cordoned off area.
“Relocation is not advised at this stage since detailed geological investigations will be undertaken to confirm the extend of the sinkhole”, Maphosa said.

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