Some Centurion residents have been caught in the grip of sinkholes. Across the city, sinkholes have formed, each taking years to repair. One of the largest, and of the most concern to residents is a large one in Clifton Avenue, Lyttelton Manor.
This sinkhole has been a major concern to residents of Clifton Avenue since March 2014 when a water pipe burst on four different occasions, leading to the formation of the sinkhole.
“Sinkholes are occurring far too frequently in Centurion and particularly in ward 57. The occurrence of sinkholes leads to the depreciation of property value and dislocation of traffic. It also causes insecurity among residents who never know whether they could be the next to be affected,” said DA ward councillor Clive Napier.
Napier said residents in Clifton Avenue have tried to sell their houses, but are unable to do so. “Nobody wants to buy a house right next to a sinkhole. You never know if the house will be the next to collapse.”
One of the major concerns is the ageing water infrastructure. Leaking water pipes and meters are considered the main causes for the formation of sinkholes.
Dr Matthys Dippenaar, geologist at the University of Pretoria said, “Any concentrated inflow of water” can cause a sinkhole.
“Just down the road from where the large sinkhole in Clifton Avenue is, a water pipe recently burst, causing great concern. Luckily it was repaired quickly. This shows the water infrastructure is in dire need of repairs and upgrades,” Napier said.
He also said a dedicated fund for sinkhole repairs is needed, as well as a programme to upgrade all water infrastructure, particularly in ward 57. “Contractors also need to be ready to commence repairs when sinkholes occur.”
The most recent integrated development plan (IDP) states money will only become available in the 2018 financial year for the repair of sinkholes in ward 57. “This is totally unacceptable and I will continue with a campaign to have more money allocated sooner,” Napier said.
In the past, one of the factors preventing sinkholes from being repaired was the lack of money. In September 2014, councillor Ina Strijdom added that the R10 million budget allocated towards sinkhole repairs was simply not enough, and that one sinkhole can cost as much as R10 million to repair.
“When there is not enough money allocated, it needs to be taken from the city’s other budgets. This takes time, and that is why a dedicated fund for the repair of sinkholes is needed,” Napier said.
The estimated completion date for the repairs and the cost of the Clifton Avenue sinkhole is yet to be revealed.
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