Questions raised about sinkhole repair in Illondale after a year

After the continued deterioration of the sinkhole at the T-junction of Laurie and Hubert Mathew roads in Illiondale, resident Brent Pillay raised questions about the progress of repairs and the safety of the community.Pillay, who is at his wits’ end about the worsening condition of the road infrastructure, invited Bedfordview and Edenvale News to view the new developments at the intersection.

He said the sinkhole, which has existed for almost a year, did not receive any attention.

Since the NEWS was last at the scene in July, cracks in the road’s surface have widened, a manhole cover is now missing and the inner workings of stormwater infrastructure,which runs under Hubert Mathew Road, can be seen.

Vegetation has also taken root in the subsidence.

ALSO READ: Residents urged to report early sinkholes – CoE

Although three yellow barriers are at the intersection, one lies in the subsidence, and two others are on their sides around it.

The barrier net once erected around it lies on the ground.

Last year Ward 18 Ald Heather Hart told the NEWS the city lacked the necessary budget to remediate the site.
Hart said the sinkhole was first reported in April.

She was informed at the end of the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) 2022/23 financial year the project was brought to the city’s attention at a late stage and could not be included in the 2023/24 financial budget.

At the time, Hart stated the best solution for repairs would be for the city to determine if there would be savings on other projects during the mid-year budget adjustment process.

ALSO READ: Germiston residents live in fear of sinkholes

If there are funds available, it would be possible for the project to be added to the city’s 2023/24 budget.

Hart said if no funds are available, after the adjustment budget, the project to repair the subsidence would need to be tabled for the 2024/25 financial year.

She said she would add the item to her ward’s IDP in the meantime.

Pillay, who has lived in Edenvale for the past 10 years, said the sinkhole is not only a danger to motorists who may not be aware of its existence, but also for children who ride their bicycles in the area.

Pillay said his children frequently ride their bicycles in the area.

“At night time, if you don’t know where this sinkhole is or if you turn into Hubert Mathew Road and take the corner too wide, you could drive into the sinkhole,” said Pillay.

Pillay, who lives several roads away from the sinkhole, said he often sees municipal-branded vehicles and staff passing by the sinkhole but nothing has been done yet to repair it.

“It is disappointing that there are people in power, in positions of authority, but nothing is getting done,” he said.

“If the city doesn’t have the budget to repair the sinkhole, then they should at least block off the T-Junction.

“My concern is the safety of the road and community, whether it’s fixed or barricaded; I just want us to be safe,” said Pillay.

Previously, when questioned when repairs would start, CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said last May, even though a thorough inspection would need to be done after a visual inspection was completed.

He said a reason for the subsidence was the collapse of the underground stormwater pipes.

ALSO READ: City urges residents to beware of early signs of sinkholes

Previously Hart said residents put themselves in danger by using the intersection and exacerbating the collapse.
Pillay echoed these sentiments.

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

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