The retainer dam wall that suffered a slab collapse in the Benoni CBD alongside the N12 onramp and Bunyan Street is being monitored 24/7, this according to the Ekurhuleni Disaster Emergency Management Services (DEMS) district manager and media liaison, William Ntladi.
PREVIOUS READ:
Metro inspecting partial dam wall collapse in the Benoni CBD
City of Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina visited the site on December 27 and cited natural erosion as the cause of the slab collapse.
In his address to the media, Masina stated it would take up to four months to permanently repair the slab as engineers would need to assess the wall from the inside out – taking any further erosions occurring inside the wall into consideration.
PREVIOUS READ:
UPDATE: Metro inspecting partial dam wall collapse in the Benoni CBD
“Over the next three weeks the stakeholders involved will be working on a three-phase system to resolve the challenge in this particular dam,” said Masina on December 27.
“Siphons will be put in place to do the same job as the water-relaying system, but will ensure the roads will be open again.
“Our engineers will be working tirelessly to fix the part that has been damaged.
PREVIOUS READ:
“We are quite confident we have assembled a high power team to manage the situation.”
When asked about the costs involved in the operation as well as the effectiveness of routine maintenance of dam walls, the mayor stated the three-phase plan that includes the repair would be a costly exercise and added maintenance does not come without its challenges.
Ntladi stated that DEMS will remain on high alert and is assisting with the equipment on scene.
PREVIOUS READ:
JOC keeping a close eye on Middle Lake spillway as mayor calls for patience
“The equipment belongs to the City of Ekurhuleni,” said Ntladi.
“The risk the slab collapse posed to the area was high, but all risks have now been averted. “
The City Times contacted the municipality for an update.
No comment was received at the time of publishing.
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail.
