Sinkhole in Potgieter Road in Lyttelton finally being fixed
The sinkhole developed about three years ago and has been the cause of many traffic problems in the area.
Centurion residents who have to drive on Potgieter Road and Clifton Avenue in Lyttelton will be relieved to know the large sinkhole is in the process of finally being repaired.
According to ward councillor David Farquharson, the sinkhole developed about three years ago and has been the cause of many traffic problems in the area.
Residents feel the sinkhole makes the road very unsafe and is blocking an emergency road used by ambulances for Unitas hospital.
“It posed a massive health hazard, especially with people in need and hospital patients,” said Farquharson.
The sinkhole also increases the potential for traffic incidents.
A safety barrier was erected between the sinkhole and the road to prevent any serious incidents from occurring.
However, with the barrier in place, the road takes a sharp turn which confuses many drivers travelling at a high speed.
There is also the possibility of cars colliding with one of the construction vehicles using the road.
Presently, workers have been removing the old dolomite and concrete with a digger that was used to previously fill the sinkhole.
Farquharson is very pleased with the progress the metro workers have made so far and estimates it will take six to nine months to clear and fill the hole.
“It’s looking very good – they have been working incredibly hard and it definitely shows,” he said.
According to Farquharson, sinkholes are a major problem throughout the city, with 36 in total.
Farquharson said the most problematic sinkhole was the one in Botha Avenue.
“We are dealing with them one by one at this stage.
“It’s a large undertaking and very expensive so we can’t deal with them all at once. Residents just have to be patient and work with us by reporting any issues,” said Farquharson.
Anette Reed, who manages the Centurion Hospice, said the sinkhole has had a very negative impact on her business.
“People who drive by have to use another road so they can’t see our sign and so they don’t know what’s happening here.
“Cars also drive down this road at a very high speed and could easily crash into one of the construction vehicles,” said Reed.
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