The department of public works and infrastructure has confirmed that repair work on a sinkhole-stricken Centurion road had yet to start.
This as the department was struggling to find out to whom the road belongs.
“Repairing the sinkhole is a process and we need to know who owns the road before work can begin,” said department of public works and infrastructure spokesperson Thami Mchunu.
Stephanus Schoeman Road towards the R55 was completely closed in March last year, after several sinkholes formed as a result of heavy rainfall.
ALSO READ: ‘Neglected’ sinkhole continues to irk Valhalla residents
The road is often used by Valhalla residents as a thoroughfare to Laudium.
“The department’s dolomite unit, in conjunction with Tshwane metro officials, took the initiative to thoroughly investigate the causes of sinkholes,” said Mchunu.
“The road had to be completely closed as there is more than one sinkhole.”
Mchunu said the department was bringing together stakeholders to discuss the way forward.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Metro adds latest Centurion “sinkhole” to priority list
“The department cannot work alone because this work requires both funding and a safe long-term sustainable solution.”
A meeting to determine the total cost of repair was scheduled for next month.
Meanwhile, Valhalla residents have once again voiced their frustration at the delay in repairs.
Junaid Ismail said locals had been given a range of excuses as to why the roads were not being repaired.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Tshwane allocates R30-million to sinkhole repairs
“We have been told there is no money for the repairs,” said Ismail.
“In the end the road belongs to the government – and they should be the ones fixing it.”
One resident makes two trips a day to Laudium to drop her children off at school each day.
“A trip which in the past took just 10 minutes now takes at least 25 minutes longer,” said Shaida Aboo.
“Sometimes, to make things worse, the military would decide to close roads we use as detours.
“We then have to go all the way around to Wierda Road and we get stuck in the traffic there.”
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