Work to secure the site of the sinkhole on the corner of Burger and Langebrink streets in Lyttelton is underway, following repeated calls from residents to make the area safe.

According to councillors, the metro has made efforts to erect a protective fence and upgrade the stormwater system at the site.

However, heavy rains and supply issues have unfortunately caused some delays.

In an update, PR Councillor Wesley Jacobs has told Rekord that while poles for the new fence have been installed, the actual fencing materials have been delayed due to procurement issues affecting suppliers in Pretoria.

“We have found a supplier in Johannesburg, and they have committed to making the fence available at Krugersdorp stores, hopefully this week,” said Jacobs.

He added that the northern section of the site remains temporarily open to allow for the completion of stormwater upgrades without damaging the fence.

“A new stormwater pipe has been installed, but water is running along the sidewalk instead of draining properly, which prompted technicians to plan additional measures.

“The team will lower the kerb and add a surface drain on the northern side of Burger Street, connecting it to the already installed pipe.”

He said the stormwater work, initially scheduled to start on October 17, was delayed by recent heavy storms and only resumed once the weather cleared.

Once these upgrades are complete, Jacobs confirmed that the area will be cleaned up, including the removal of sand heaps and tar debris left as a temporary safety measure.

Permanent road signs have already been installed to alert motorists to the ongoing work.

“The metro constantly conducts inspections to maintain basic services and the safety of the area,” Jacobs said.

His update builds on his statements from October 16, when he outlined preparations for the fence and emphasised that, while the fencing is temporary, it serves as a long-term safeguard until the sinkhole can be fully rehabilitated.

“I have been pushing for this issue since the day the sinkhole appeared, but I intensified my efforts in August because nothing was being done, which is unacceptable,” he said.

He emphasised that the proximity of local schools to the sinkhole poses a risk to children.

He added that once all upgrades and the fence installation were finished, the area would finally be cleaned and restored.

Ward 57 Councillor David Farquharson said, “The securing of all sinkhole sites contributes to the safety and well-being of the community.”

His initial concerns were the school closest to the sinkhole and reckless drivers.

However, he said the barricades that have been installed at the site have significantly reduced this risk, which is crucial for protecting residents.

“We have previously seen people driving into unbarricaded sinkholes.”

Farquharson explained that the metro’s geology department continues to inspect the sinkholes for subsidence or earth movement, while ongoing service delivery issues are monitored based on reports from residents.

He confirmed that the repair and maintenance work is funded by the city, with potential emergency funding from provincial and national governments still under consideration.

“The barricades and fencing depend on the budget available. We are striving to get all sinkholes fenced and secured,” Farquharson added.

Residents in the area have welcomed the news of the fence and safety improvements.

Samuel Smith, a resident who lives near the site, is relieved over the municipality’s plans.

“It’s been worrying seeing children playing near the sinkhole, so the steps to erect a proper fence and improve drainage are very reassuring,” he said.

He added that having permanent measures in place offers peace of mind.

“The community has been asking for this for months, and it’s pleasing to finally see progress.”

Smith said residents expect a cleaner, safer, and better-protected environment around the sinkhole site, with regular inspections ensuring the area remains secure.

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