CoE to investigate the cause of subsidence in Edenvale

Despite needing further investigation to determine what caused the subsidence at the intersection of Laurie and Hubert Mathew roads, the city said a visual inspection was done.

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However, the city said it needed to conduct a thorough investigation to determine when repairs could start.

According to city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, a possible reason for the subsidence was the collapse of the underground stormwater pipes.

The CoE was alerted to the matter on April 22.

Dlamini said that before a remedial solution could be developed, further investigation was needed.

“This will be done to establish the exact cause of the collapse and recommend possible remedial solutions,” he said.

Dlamini said a thorough investigation was needed before giving a timeframe to repair the site or determining the cost.

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He said subsidence such as this is neither uncommon nor avoidable.

He said there were several possible causes of stormwater pipe collapses, including:

• age and deterioration: over time, stormwater pipes can degrade and weaken, especially if made of concrete or metal;

• soil movement: changes in soil conditions from settling or erosion could put pressure on the stormwater pipes and cause them to shift or collapse;

• heavy rain or flooding: during heavy rainfall or flooding, stormwater pipes could become filled with water and debris, leading to blockages and collapse;

• poor installation: if improperly installed or incorrectly supported, the stormwater pipes could collapse;

• corrosion: if the stormwater pipes were metal, they could corrode from exposure to water and other environmental factors, leading to weakening and eventual collapse;

• tree roots: these can grow into the stormwater pipes, causing blockages and damage that could lead to collapse;

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• harm from construction: construction activities around the stormwater pipes could damage and weaken or collapse the pipes.

Following the NEWS’s article highlighting the subsidence in its May 3 edition, Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart said the barrier tape used to block the intersection was broken.

She said in light of this, residents put themselves in danger by using the intersection and exacerbating the collapse.

Since then, she requested the city to place protective barriers around the subsidence.

The city advised people and motorists to use alternative routes like Owen and Aileen roads.

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