Lyttelton resident plans to sue metro over huge sinkhole on his property
“Since I cannot enjoy or secure my property, I demanded that the metro fix or fill the cavity on or before the first of October in order to prevent further deterioration of the area.”
A resident from Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, took legal steps against the Tshwane metro after they have up until now failed to repair a sinkhole on his property.
Anton van der Bijl (38) from Saffier Road said due to the huge sinkhole being partly on his lawn and also extending to the street in front of his property he doesn’t have any access to his driveway or garages.
He also feared that further damage to his property and residence could occur. According to Van der Bijl, a municipal water pipe burst on July 12 around 22:00 on his lawn, which was reported to the metro’s water and sanitation department by various residents.
“Only after about eight to nine hours later the following day the water leak was repaired, but the damage was already done. “A sinkhole formed and fell in, right in front of my property,” he said, “and up until now the metro hasn’t done anything to prevent further damage from occurring”. “
The metro should have known better to respond timeously, given the issues we have with water and sinkholes in the area. I incurred damages as a result of their failure or negligence to act,” he said. Van der Bijl said he took it up with the metro, and “a geologist and engineer visited the site for preliminary assessments”.
“They said due to the prevalence of sinkholes in the area, and the possibility that the cavity that formed due to the burst municipal pipe might indeed be the formation of a sinkhole. Therefore, the area needs to be kept dry and the rainy season is approaching.
ALSO READ: No promises on Centurion sinkhole, says councillor “I also spoke to various municipal officials and ward councillors about repairing the sinkhole, to no avail up until now.”
Because of that, Van der Bijl said, he has now proceeded to inform the metro that he would institute legal action against the metro.
“Since I cannot enjoy or secure my property, I demanded that the metro fix or fill the cavity on or before the first of October to prevent further deterioration of the area.
“They have been given notice of my intention to institute legal action against them by failure thereof.”
He said he might have to secure his property himself, which does not vindicate the metro from any accountability.
According to David Farquharson, DA councillor of ward 57, the metro is still waiting for the budget to prevail.
“There is a list of sinkholes in the area that needs to be repaired. We will be able to assist once the budget is finalised.” Tshwane metro had not responded by the time of going to print.
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