Metro says there are 36 sinkholes in Centurion
Immediate work has begun on two of them according to a local ward councillor.
There are no less than 36 reported sinkholes in Centurion the Tshwane metro knows of, all of which have to be fixed.
Two of them have been prioritised to be repaired “as soon as possible”, according to Tshwane roads and transport department chairperson Elmarie Linde.
“The sinkhole in Clifton Avenue and Althea Street in Lyttleton Manor, adjacent to Centurion high school just north of Unitas hospital, is the metro’s first priority,” said Linde.
“The second priority is the sinkhole in Kruger Avenue, Lyttleton Manor, in the industrial area.”
Linde explained that money allocated to sinkhole reparation in Centurion was removed from the budget when the municipality was placed under administration last year.
“As part of our current adjustment budget, R10-million was allocated to sinkhole repairs in Centurion as part of the current financial year. This budget was approved at the end of February this year.”
“More money will be allocated in the new financial year that starts on the first of July this year, however, the amount has not yet been established. We are still busy with planning and processes need to be followed.”
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Linde said the process starts in March when the various departments must submit their budgets to several committees and public participation must take place before it is then referred to the council to make decisions.
“Work on the sinkhole in Clifton Avenue has already started two months ago when test holes were drilled. It is part of the process to establish what the structure underneath the road looks like.
“In Kruger Avenue we established the hole expanded underneath the road, which is critical. Once work resumes there, residents will have to use an alternative route.”
Ina Strijdom, councillor for ward 66, said the sinkhole in Alaric Road, Valhalla, was of particular concern to her.
A resident whose house is located right next to the said sinkhole, Jan Pretorius, said he has sleepless nights when it rains.
“I fear that the hole expands to the extent that a part of my house falls into it.”
Strijdom also said business owners in the area complain that they had been cut off and isolated from the residents due to the sinkhole and the subsequent detour residents have to take to get around.
She said sinkholes have been affecting Centurion for the past ten years. They do not only cause a great inconvenience for residents, but it also has a negative impact on development and the value of property.
“The sinkholes form because of the large deposits of dolomite in the Centurion area. Heavy rainfall, water and sewer leaks, poor backfill on properties, stormwater ponding, shifts caused by landslides, boreholes being drilled and buildings being erected all contribute to the risk of sinkholes forming.
“The dolomite is porous, and when it gets wet, it acts like a sponge and starts to crumble.”
In one success for the metro, the intersection of Jean Avenue and Gerhard Street was completely reopened in 2018 after R25-million worth of repairs were completed on a sinkhole that formed nearly two years before.
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