Sinkholes are being neglected in the Wilgeheuwel area, and residents are calling for action to be taken from Johannesburg Water (JW) to close up the sinkholes after repairing water pipes, as they cause havoc for both residents and businesses.
According to resident Debra MacLennan, these holes have been reported numerous times to JW, and no response has been forthcoming. MacLennan further adds there are about eight sinkholes within a 2km radius.
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“There are two sinkholes on Florin Road with additional potholes, which make it a nightmare for residents to drive freely, and two on Bellini Boulevard in front of a business, which has resulted in an incident where a truck accidentally fell into the sinkhole.
“On Dubloon Avenue, a large sinkhole was left with exposed water pipes right in front of a resident’s yard, making it difficult for them to go in and out of their home. Lastly, there is one sinkhole on Dariek Street, which is blocking the left lane of the road, and residents have to use the right lane, causing traffic congestion.
“I moved into Wilgeheuwel in 2000. So for the past 25 years, this has been my home, and unfortunately, through the years I noticed a decline in the area. I believe that we have one of the best neighbourhoods, and if everybody is willing to lend a helping hand, we can get it back to its former glory. But should the responsibility fall on the residents or the entities that we pay for these services?” MacLennan argues.
The sinkholes continue to be reported on a regular basis, but no action has been taken from JW. Infrastructure has been damaged, property value depreciated, and vehicles have suffered damage to their wheels from falling into the sinkholes.
The Roodepoort Northsider has sent questions to JW’s communications officer Nolwazi Dhlamini for comment, and a response will be given for a follow-up article.
