Residents urged to report early sinkholes – CoE
Dlamini also encouraged the public to report suspicious dolomite or sinkhole signs through their local Customer Care Centre (CCC) or call 0860 543 000/ 011 999 4666 /4940.
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has advised residents to monitor early signs and the possible development of sinkholes on their properties, most slightly with the likelihood of persistent rainfall over the festive season.
According to the CoE spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini sinkholes are caused by stagnant water and constant water pipe leaks, which result in underground erosion.
“To mitigate against water pipe leaks and the resultant development of sinkholes, the city is replacing old concrete pipes with more flexible ones that can withstand unstable ground. Such pipes can move, without breaking, with the ground as the earth shifts for any reason.”
ALSO READ: City scoops two Rand Water awards
“Early signs include the tilting of one side of a house, slight sinking of the ground, depression or unexplainable holes in the yard – no matter how small they may be, “he said.
Dlamini said Ekurhuleni is a highly dolomitic area. As a result, the city advises the public to use professionals when building or extending their homes because they will know how to navigate the building conditions, conduct land surveying and determine the appropriate building materials for specific land conditions.
In this way, you mitigate the threat of sinkholes affecting your property.
Dlamini also encouraged the public to report suspicious dolomite or sinkhole signs through their local Customer Care Centre (CCC) or call 0860 543 000/ 011 999 4666 /4940.
ALSO READ: City calls for compliance when postering for voter registrations
He explained that once the incident is reported, the city will send a team of experts to inspect and assess the situation.
“Should the assessment confirm the threat of a sinkhole, the affected occupants may be requested to evacuate the property for safety reasons, depending on the risk detected.
“Should an evacuation be recommended, they will cordon off the area to deny unauthorized access. A detailed geotechnical investigation is then conducted to determine the possible cause and the extent of the sinkhole.
“Rehabilitation then commences, and the area is reinstated to its original state. The affected occupants are then advised when to return.”
The public is warned against trying to access a cordoned-off property, as this may result in the loss of life because the decision to evacuate is informed by the threat as demonstrated by the investigation carried out by experts.
