A sinkhole on Chaplin Street in Illovo, which was reported on February 15 and was assessed, has significantly worsened, raising fresh concerns about road safety and the pace of response from authorities.

What was previously a minor road hazard has now become a large excavation, exposing underground infrastructure, including a stormwater drainage pipe, after the JRA team arrived to investigate. The affected section of road near number 15 Chaplin Street remains partially barricaded, but the scale of the damage has increased.

Read more: Excavation on Mngeni Road in River Club continues to disrupt daily life

The deepened sinkhole now occupies a larger portion of the roadway, with loose debris and exposed surfaces creating an even greater risk for motorists. Drivers travelling through the area are required to slow down considerably.

Questions were sent to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) regarding the cause of the sinkhole, the delay in repairs, and the timeline for permanent restoration.

In response, the agency stated, “Unfortunately, your deadline for tomorrow, March 14, is too tight as site inspections would have to be done. We can try to meet the March 17 deadline. Please afford us the time to provide you with an accurate report.”

Also read: Illovo residents demand action as Johannesburg Water leaves road excavation unrepaired since October

Follow-up requests were sent on March 18 and March 19. However, no further response had been received.

Motorists are advised to approach the area with caution while awaiting further updates.

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