Centurion sinkhole filled – on temporary basis
"It was resolved that the water pipe trench be backfilled with unprocessed gravel and this is a temporary measure”.
How the sinkhole in Saffier Street, Lyttelton Manor, had been repaired, was only a temporary measure, according to the Tshwane metro.
Residents complained this week about how the metro attended to the sinkhole located in front of another resident’s property, Anton van der Bijl.
Lindela Mashigo, metro spokesperson, said it was resolved that the water pipe trench be backfilled with unprocessed gravel. “And this is a temporary measure.
“This backfilling does not constitute a repair of a sinkhole, it was merely a temporary backfill of the trench that was excavated to access the water pipe.”
He said as per standard practice, the affected area was fenced off as a safety measure.
“Assessment of substances and sinkholes are conducted by an engineering geologist. The incident is on the priority listing for geological investigations and formulation of a repair method.”
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Neighbours of Van der Bijl, Daniella le Roux (39) and Marina Roos (68) said the work was left “incomplete, and that the hole was filled up with rubbish”.
Le Roux said the barriers that had been put around the hole, took up half of the road and it was right at a T-junction. “And since there is no light at night to light up the area, the barriers cannot be seen by motorists. There had already been an accident.”
Mashigo said: “It is not right to suggest that it is ‘rubbish material’ as that is waste-based and could be hazardous. The city has backfilled it with unprocessed gravel material as a temporary measure.
On the issue of the accident, Mashigo said the red and yellow barrier that was placed there was a standard requirement for construction. The dent was a result of a car accident.
“The barrier creates clear visibility and is in two colours. The solid barricading in the form of the fence also remains intact.”
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