A growing sinkhole caused by a collapsed sewer pipe has blocked access to Mount Morency Flats in Snowden Street, raising serious safety concerns for residents and surrounding properties.

What initially appeared to be a minor sewer pipe break has escalated into a major infrastructure failure, worsened by heavy rainfall and blocked stormwater drains in the area.

According to Florida Hills Resident Forum chairperson Stanton Nell, the problem was first reported to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) in March 2025, but was not attended to.

“We initially thought it was a simple pipe break causing a small sinkhole at the entrance,” said Nell. “But the hole kept growing, and recent heavy rains exposed a much bigger problem.”

During intense rainfall in January, water burst out of blocked stormwater drains and the sinkhole, sweeping across the road and into nearby properties.

“The perimeter walls of at least four properties were washed away, and debris from a property in Etna Street ended up in Kenya Road,” Nell said.

He added that water flowing through the compromised stormwater system is now threatening the foundation of a neighbouring complex’s parking area, as well as units in Mount Morency Flats.

“This needs urgent attention. It poses a major threat to residents living here. We have repeatedly tried to report and engage with JRA, but our efforts have fallen short,” he said.

Resident Analia Norton, who lives directly opposite the flats, said her home has suffered repeated flooding and extensive damage as a result of ongoing drainage failures, sinkholes and road collapse in the area.

Speaking to the Roodepoort Record, Norton said her first incident occurred on December 21, when floodwater caused by stormwater drainage failure led to the collapse of her boundary wall. Six days later, further flooding entered her home, damaging bedroom and bathroom fixtures, including sliding doors, cupboards, blinds and a shower door.

In January, a second and far more severe surge of stormwater burst through her garage and entrance doors, destroying them beyond repair and causing extensive internal damage.

“My car was flooded, damaging the gearbox, which I am still in dispute with my insurance company about,” she said.

During these incidents, sewer drains overflowed and mixed with stormwater, significantly worsening the flooding and creating serious health hazards.

@caxton.jhbwestWhat started as a sewer pipe break has revealed a much bigger infrastructure problem in Florida Hills, Roodepoort. A massive sinkhole caused by blocked storm water drain has developed in the entrance of Mount Morency flats and when it rains water mixed with sewer overflows to Analia Norton’s house.♬ original sound – Caxton JHB West 

Norton said additional drainage problems remain unresolved in front of her property, preventing her from rebuilding her boundary wall safely.

“The force of the second flood was so intense that, had it not been for the sliding doors absorbing the pressure, part of the structure could have collapsed,” she said.

“All the contents of my bedroom were damaged, and my swimming pool was filled with sewage, debris and household contents. My losses are estimated at R200 000.”

She added that the ongoing situation has caused significant trauma, stress and sleepless nights for her family, in addition to the financial and physical damage.

The JRA was approached for comment, and its response will be published in the next edition.