Repairs are underway on a developing sinkhole along Hendrik Potgieter Drive near Hillfox Value Centre, where the road shoulder between Albert Street and Rhinoceros Road had begun to collapse in early October.

The Roodepoort Northsider and Ward 89 councillor Zander Shawe, recently saw contractors actively working to stabilise the ground. The sides of the sinkhole were dug out as part of the repair process, and caution signs and barricades were put in place to alert motorists.

One of the contractors said the repairs are expected to take three to four weeks, provided there are no weather or community interruptions. If all goes according to plan, the project should finish on schedule. Both lanes remain open, but drivers are urged to reduce speed and stay vigilant while passing the site.

• Also read: Motorists warned as sinkhole develops on Hendrik Potgieter

The sinkhole highlights the ongoing challenges posed by dolomitic land in Gauteng. Earlier last month, the Gauteng Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs hosted a Provincial Roundtable on Dolomite and Sinkholes. Experts from the Council for Geoscience, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, municipalities, and engineering professionals discussed early detection technologies, Geographic Information System based hazard mapping, water management strategies, and risk-based land-use planning to prevent future sinkhole-related incidents.

More updates will be provided as the repairs continue. Motorists are advised to continue driving with caution and follow the rules of the road at all times.