According to residents they first noticed the sinkhole on Monday. It is just across the street from Hlanganani Primary School.
The sinkhole is situated in a veld where there have been sewage problems for years. The main sewer lines from Extension 3 as well as some other areas run through this veld and there are almost constant blockages. Although at least four contractors appointed by the Merafong City Local Municipality have worked on these pipes during the past decade, the problems have still not been sorted out. Sewage often dams up in the veld as well as next to the school.
By Monday it was clear that one of these leaks was the cause of the new sinkhole, as it was situated right in the path of the leak and sewage streamed over one of its edges. Several sinkholes have caved in at the same veld due to sewage leaks in the past.
“We are very worried about the safety of the children as this is right across from our school and many children walk here,” says one of the teachers, Ms Happy Modise. Modise happened to drive by while the Herald and a concerned community member, Mr Jacob Gumede, were checking out the damage. She also pointed to an open manhole even closer to the sidewalk. If a child should fall into it they will be seriously injured or even killed.
The area’s ward councillor, Mr Thabo Malatjie, also expressed his concern over the situation.
The Herald asked the municipality on how they planned to address this serious issue on Tuesday. “A consultant is currently busy with the reroute design, A sinkhole will be filled after assessment by the Council of Geoscience. The area will be barricaded to keep children safe from the sinkhole. The manhole will be closed as soon as possible,” the municipal spokesperson said.
