No emergency funds for Illiondale sinkhole – CoE

The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed that repair work to the sinkhole at the T-junction at Laurie and Hubert Mathew roads has not been placed on the current or any future budget.

This comes after Illiondale resident Brent Pillay raised questions about the progress of repairs of the sinkhole and the safety of the community.

In the year that the pothole has opened up, growing as a sinkhole or what some refer to as the subsidence of Illiondale, has not received any attention since it formed in April.

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According to the city, there are no funds for emergency repairs.

Although the project is not on this year’s budget and can’t be repaired soon, city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said there are plans to erect concrete barriers across the T-junction.

This will be done to prevent motorists from making use of the T-junction, putting themselves at risk and potentially increasing the size of the sinkhole.

Dlamini said the barriers are expected to be installed by the middle of March.

Following the city’s initial visual inspection, Dlamini said a thorough inspection was completed.

“It was determined that a structural failure occurred at the junction box below the road layer works.”

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He said the structure failed due to a combination of the following causes:

• Age and deterioration. Dlamini said over time, stormwater pipes can degrade and become weaker, especially if they are made of materials like concrete or metal. “This can lead to cracks, breaks, and ultimately collapse.”

• Soil movement. He said changes in soil conditions, such as settling or erosion, can put pressure on stormwater pipes and cause them to shift or collapse.

• Heavy rain or flooding. Dlamini explained that during heavy rainfall or flooding, stormwater pipes can become overwhelmed with water and debris, leading to blockages and collapse.

• Poor installation. Dlamini said if stormwater pipes are not installed correctly or are not properly supported, they may be more likely to collapse.

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• Corrosion. He said if stormwater pipes are made of metal, they can corrode over time due to exposure to water and other environmental factors, leading to weakening and eventual collapse.

• Tree roots. Dlamini said tree roots can grow into stormwater pipes. This damages and causes blockages, which can lead to a collapse.

• Damage from construction. Dlamini pointed out that construction activities in the area around stormwater pipes can cause damage that weakens or collapses the pipes