Centurion resident vacates home due to sinkhole threat

A Centurion family forced to vacate its home rendered unsafe due to a sinkhole forming nearby says it is distraught.

The 6m deep sinkhole formed in Clifton Road, near the Nxusani home two weeks ago following the recent heavy rainfall in the area.

First, the pavement started sagging and within an hour, the earth just fell in.

Sindisa Nxusani told Rekord that he has been asked to move out of his property for the insurance company to properly assess the safety of the house for them to continue living there.

Nxusani was not told when he would be able to return.

“I have been verbally asked by my insurance to move out. Fortunately, they are paying for my accommodation weekly,” he said.

Asked it the family would consider relocating, he said he would have to “wait and see”.

Nxusani said the limbo was frustrating for him and his family.

“It has greatly inconvenienced us because we were planning to sell the house. Now, we have to put everything on hold,” he said.

Tshwane metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the metro was aware that the residents affected by the sinkhole had been asked to move out of their homes.

“The metro held various inspections and informed the owner on the structure’s safety and the process of contacting their insurance company,” Bokaba said.

He said the repair of Clifton Road sinkhole was being prioritised but did not elaborate.

Bokaba said there was a possibility of the sinkhole growing larger.

Ward 57 councillor David Farquharson told Rekord that he checked on the affected residents.

Farquharson said the matter was beyond him as it was now being handled by the insurance company.

“As far as I know, the affected families are claiming costs against their insurance policies.”

Last week, he said that the geoscience council and the metro had to assess the damage done on Clifton Road and explore the safest option of re-routing traffic.

“They are looking at the safest options for detouring traffic around the area. Signage will be erected shortly.

“The sewerage department is also working on routing the broken pipes away,” Farquharson said.

He thanked community members who put up a barricade around the sinkhole to prevent anyone from falling in.

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