A new sinkhole has formed on Jade Avenue in Lyttelton Manor, leaving parts of the suburb without water.

This comes just months after a similar collapse disrupted life only a few streets away.

Freedom Front Plus PR Councillor Wesley Jacobs confirmed to Rekord that the latest sinkhole formed on Sunday night, on a resident’s property where a water leak had been reported.

He said the sinkhole was discovered by a team from the metro’s department of water and sanitation, who had been dispatched to repair the leak.

“The sinkhole was discovered by the team around 21:00 while they were attending to the reported water leak. The area was immediately barricaded with tape and water barriers to secure the site.”

Jacobs stated that this is the 64th reported sinkhole in Centurion, and it is expected to be officially declared as such by the city’s geologist following investigations by officials from the Regional Operations Centre today.

“There were no visible signs that a sinkhole was forming. If there had been any, we would never have allowed city personnel to work on the site. The ground gave in shortly after the leak was repaired.”

He added that the water leak appears to be the clear contributing factor.

“Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine how long a leak has been occurring beneath the surface until it reveals itself. Only technical investigations after the fact can provide those answers.”

Jacobs also confirmed that the sinkhole is located exactly where the leak had been, according to visual evidence and site inspections.

He said the surrounding road will be assessed to determine if it is still safe for residents and motorists to use.

“If that section is found to be unsafe, it will be blocked off. Residents can then make use of Saffier Road and Robyn Road to enter and exit Jade Avenue.”

Ward 57 Councillor David Farquharson noted that the initial water leak had been reported at 17:43 on Sunday, just a few hours before the collapse.

“There is currently no water or electricity in the area. The water was turned off because of the leak, and we are still waiting to confirm whether the power outage is connected to the sinkhole.”

He said it is still unclear how long it will take, but work is underway to bypass the affected section.

This latest incident follows another sinkhole that formed on May 8 at the corner of Langebrink Road and Burger Avenue, which also caused major disruption to local infrastructure.

At the time, Farquharson said the hole started forming in the early hours of the morning and was still giving way when officials arrived.

A major water pipe had broken at the site, forcing the city to shut off the main water feed from the Clifton Reservoir.

A mini substation near the edge of the hole also shorted, leaving many residents without electricity.

Jacobs confirmed at the time that he had contacted all relevant departments and requested a geologist to assess the area.

He warned that the rise in sinkholes in Centurion is a growing emergency.

“There are more than 60 sinkholes in Centurion, and this is an extreme emergency that continues to affect many residents,” he said.

The May incident was the third sinkhole to appear in Lyttelton Manor in just a few months.

Two others had formed in February, one on DF Malan Avenue and another at the corner of Trichardt and Van Riebeeck streets.

The Tshwane metro is yet to confirm the size of the latest sinkhole on Jade Avenue.

ALSO READ: Lyttelton Manor sinkhole sparks panic

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