After more than two months of disruption, the driveway sinkhole on Pennyweight Avenue has been repaired, restoring access for the O’Brien family.

The sinkhole first appeared on November 20 when a delivery van became stuck while exiting the property after dropping off the family’s dogs. The collapse left a deep hole in the middle of the driveway, making it impossible for the family to drive in or out of their property. They were forced to park their cars on the street for the duration of the repairs.

Concerns about further damage also arose due to heavy rains in the area at the time. Water filled the pit, raising worries about erosion beneath the driveway.

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) began repair work on the affected area on February 2, with the repairs completed almost three weeks later. Homeowner Kyle O’Brien expressed relief that the work had been finalised.

“We’re feeling relieved, not only from a convenience point of view but also for safety,” he said.

He also shared his view on the quality and speed of the repairs.

“I would rate it about a seven out of 10. The repairs were a little slow, but I do believe they were done properly,” he said.

The sinkhole was caused by a dislodged stormwater system, which falls under the JRA’s responsibility. Earlier in the process, repair schedules were delayed, and the JRA confirmed that temporary access to the driveway was not possible due to the location of the collapse.

Khaya Gqibitole, the JRA’s head of regional operations, said the repairs addressed the stormwater-related damage and that both the driveway and road surface had been reinstated.

The family can now once again drive in and out of the property and safely park their vehicles inside their yard.

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