UPDATE: Earl Haig sinkholes caused by water-pipe leak

NUMEROUS sinkholes developed on Earl Haig Road on Friday, May 19, when a Quantum Taxi was stranded in one of the holes.

Ward 27 councillor Ernest Smith told Berea Mail the issue arose from a 6–8m-long water pipe that burst which undermined 200m of the road.

“Numerous sinkholes occurred as well as damage to private property, which is, no doubt, a cause for concern for residents and road users who are left questioning where their rates money is being utilised,” said Smith.

This is not the first incident of its kind. A vehicle was engulfed in a massive hole on Umbilo on April 28, and a few days later, on April 30, two vehicles landed in a hole on Peter Makoba (Ridge) Road, Berea. For Smith, the incidents reflect ailing infrastructure.

Related news: WATCH: Taxi stranded as sinkhole forms

“Ultimately, this issue speaks to the failing infrastructure of the municipality as a whole, which is not being addressed as the ward itself has seen at least 10 similar issues across various roads, such as Earl Haig, Peter Mokaba and Lady Bruce, which have been the cause of damage to citizens’ private property. Quite a number of motorists have found themselves at the bottom of these holes with extensive damage to their vehicles, and with this most recent instance, not only their vehicles but private property was damaged, as well,” he said.

Commenting on the matter, on Friday, eThekwini Municipality’s head of communications Lindiwe Khuzwayo said the inclement weather impacted the situation.

“Road users are urged to be cautious, particularly on roads that are still being repaired or rebuilt. We are aware of a sinkhole on Earl Haig Road in Morningside,” she said.

Khuzwayo added that the City’s team was attending to the sinkhole issue on Friday as well as fallen trees in some areas.

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