‘Sinkhole’ turns out to be a termite nest

A hole on the side of the road that had some Eldoraigne residents fearing the early signs of a sinkhole has turned out to be a large termite nest.

Resident Jonell van Schalkwyk said that the community first noticed the hole at the end of January.

“A car drove onto the sidewalk, and while it was parked there the ground collapsed and then the hole appeared,” she told Rekord.

She said that the hole was near a complex wall, and residents feared that it might extend towards the houses.

“I must say that the municipality reacted very quickly initially to come and investigate. Then they came back a few weeks later to check if the water pipe had not been damaged.”

Van Schalkwyk said that when residents first saw the hole, they immediately reported it to their councillor and the metro via email.

“After our report, they came out to investigate if it was a sinkhole or not, and thereafter I kept the mail trail going to follow up on our complaint.”

The hole was reported as being 300mm in length and 500mm in depth and was confirmed not a sinkhole.

“Now we know it was caused by termites as there was a termite nest underground,” she said.

“I think that other residents could realise is that if you don’t get out of your house and into the community, and look around to see what is well and in order, it is so easy to just sit at home and complain.”

ALSO READ: Three monks brutally murdered at Cullinan Church

She said that the residents were thankful that it was only termites.

“Get out into your community, walk around the neighbourhood, and if you see something that needs attention, report it.”

Van Schalkwyk advised other residents to report issues and follow up with their councillors with reference numbers.

“I’ve met the most beautiful and dedicated people that work for the city, and if we just take hands with them as part of the community, it is easier to see that they get through the work, that they are trying to make a difference.”

Van Schalkwyk said that her community was in the process of creating a secure neighbourhood and learned to stand together through the process.

“We have quarterly meetings in our ward where various people come with the councillor and explain what is happening where we live.”

Ward 69 councillor Cindy Billson said that residents should report matters to their councillors, including their name and surname, contact number, address, suburb, municipal account number, and nearest intersection.

These details can be used to follow up on complaints and ensure they are attended to.

Centurion is prone to sinkholes due to the dolomitic rock underlying the area, with over 50 sinkholes yet to be repaired as the very high cost means that some sinkholes have been awaiting repair for many years.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram