The metro are on scene inspecting the site for the possibility of what can be a flood due to the partial collapse of the retainer wall of the lake in the Benoni CBD on the corner of Bunyan Street and the N12 Tom Jones onramp.
“If nothing is done then this could become a potential hazard but we will be working as quickly as possible to resolve the matter,” said Chris Mthombeni who is from environmental control from the metro.
According to community activist Mary Goby, a part of the wall sunk in and water is now gushing into the sunken piece causing a potential collapse of the entire structure.
“The sunken piece was noticed and brought to our attention two days ago,” said Goby on December 23.
“I requested drone footage from one of our community members, Juandre Vorster, so we could better understand the extent of the damage.
“From what can be seen, water is flowing into the sunken piece,” Vorster said.
“The water is building up and pushing the wall from the bottom.”
Goby said she had contacted the Ekurhuleni metro and the Disaster Emergency Management Services (DEMS) regarding the situation.
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“DEMS will be taking the necessary precautionary steps to ensure the correct measures are put in place to rectify the situation and hopefully avoid a total collapse,” she said.
Mthombeni said the EMPD and DEMS are present at the site and are awaiting the engineers.
“Once they arrive, together we will be able to find a solution and avoid any potential hazards,” he explained.
According to Mthombeni, roads surrounding the area will not be impacted by the damage to the dam.
Goby said at this point she can only hope and pray the matter is resolved quickly and a disaster is avoided.
At the time of publishing, DEMS was unavailable for comment.
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