Leak on Van Riebeeck Avenue poses deadly risk

Over the past two weeks, what started as a seemingly small water leak along Van Riebeeck Avenue has grown into a watery pit.

Located in front of the store Dyno by Quint, the leak started with water seeping through the pavement and grew as the soil was eroded from underneath and bricks collapsed into the forming hole.

As bricks fell away the hole grew in size which has not only put the store’s potential customers at risk but pedestrians and children too.

Currently, the hole is believed to be close to or deeper than 1.5m.

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Measuring the depth was done by businesswoman Carol Claassen of the store, and staff member Hilda Myanya who inserted a broomstick into the cavity, which didn’t touch the bottom of the hole.

Claassen said on July 27 that she and the landlord have tried to request help from various municipal avenues but are yet to get any assistance or see anyone tend to the problem.

As the hole is near the business’s main entrance, it poses a danger to customers.

Classen and her husband have considered opening another entrance, however, she said this increases the store’s security risk.

“It started as a small leak on July 13, almost like a small fountain pushing up soil and water out of the bricks and down the pavement,” said Claassen.

She said her landlord went to the municipality personally to report the issue but has received no feedback.

Fearing further collapse of the pavement and watching pedestrians almost walk into the hole, Claassen assistance from her security provider SOS Security.

Armed with tape and stakes, Claassen tried to erect a temporary warning. The poles were removed for fear of theft and further damage to the pavement.

She said there is an urgency for maintenance to be done in Edenvale.

Having been in business for 23 years the store moved to Edenvale 23 years ago.

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“As longstanding members of this community, we love Edenvale,” she said.

Claassen said one of the reasons the store was moved to Edenvale was because of its biking community, its accessibility and the beauty of the town.

According to Claassen, the authoritative bodies do not seem to care about the problems of the people on the ground.

“We as a country need to get back to the point where there is normality, routine and service delivery.”

A request for comment was sent to the city of Ekurhuleni on July 27 requesting comment by July 28 at 12:00.

At the time of going to print no comment was received.