Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) will have their work cut out for them after committing to fix a massive sinkhole which appeared in the back yard of a Malanshof residence in February.
The sinkhole is almost five metres long and about half a metre wide, but the depth is approximately eight metres down, making it a grave safety risk.
After a long line of discussions and a few mis-communications, it was established that the hole was caused by a collapsed storm water junction box.
The junction box was laid down decades ago and collapsed due to erosion. Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) was responsible for its maintenance.
The entity has committed themselves to getting the problem solved before the rainy season begins, even though it has been almost six months since the problem was reported.
“I mind my two-year-old grandson every weekend,” lamented property owner Helen Ross. “Can you imagine keeping a busy, inquisitive little two-year-old boy from playing in the back garden?”
Ross has been living on the property for 35 years, and has spent thousands of rands on her prize possession, her garden. She was anxious about the damage earthmoving equipment will do to her beautiful plants and trees.
“I’ve never seen anything like it, it appeared pretty much overnight.”
Getting onto the property will be a tricky affair, but Ross’ neighbour, Martha Llale, was kind enough to agree that JRA could access Ross’ property from her garden. There was also another sinkhole on another neighbouring property in Roland Johnson Street.
JRA spokesperson, Bertha Peters-Scheepers, stated that the JRA team has met with the complainant and her neighbour to assess the situation.
“There is a big junction box which has collapsed and this has caused the sinkhole to form. Our plan was to gain access to the site by going through the neighbour’s property. Some damage would have to be done to the property to get to site,” Peters-Scheepers continued.
“We would have to remove two sections of precast walling, and her garden would also be damaged. We are currently looking at alternative ways to access the sinkhole and we will keep Mrs Ross updated on the progress.”
Details: JRA 0860 562 874 or hotline@jra.org.za
