Tshwane begins construction on Hercules ‘sinkhole’
"It is estimated that it will take approximately two months to complete the repair once construction has started."
The Tshwane metro said construction on the “sinkhole” on the corner of Hendriks and Taljaard streets in Hercules had begun and was expected to be completed in the next two months.
MMC for Utility Services Philip Nel said it will take approximately two months to complete the repair work once construction started.
However, this was all dependent on the finalisation of all the necessary processes to get approval for the construction.
Nel said it was not a sinkhole, as it has been widely reported, but that the hole started as excavation to repair a blocked sewer pipeline.
“Due to various unfortunate occurrences, such as the water pipes bursting, sewer water entering into the excavation from the broken sewer pipeline, water from the stormwater system and subsequent sewer overflows as a result of blockages, it became a huge hole that now requires specialist intervention to repair.
“We must emphasise the size of the problem. The hole is 10m x 10m big and 4m deep. In order to repair it, the area will need to be enlarged to a 15m x 15m hole, going a total of 7m deep.
“This will allow for draining and repairing of the various infrastructure elements which have been pouring water into the hole.”
Nel said the metro could not confirm how much this project would cost, however, they are still busy preparing a cost estimate, which can only be provided once it has been completed.
He said the metro would like to thank everybody affected for their patience with this problem and apologise for any inconvenience because of the closure of the road.
Last month Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Road Infrastructure, Jacob Mamabolo said he would be working with the Tshwane metro to ensure the issue was solved.
The MEC said they would be supporting plans put in place by the metro that would ensure the road was fully functioning again.
“A road closed or not working affects the movement of people,” said Mamabolo.
“We are promoting smart mobility, we want the swift and seamless movement of freight and people from municipal, provincial and national roads.”
Mamabolo said the most worrying issue about the hole was the risk it posed to motorists. He said sealing and repairing the road were critical to protecting human lives.
Residents also told Rekord at the time that the area was plagued by constant water leaks and electricity interruptions.
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