Two Vosloorus families moved from sinkhole-affected street

The two families from Nfundo Park, Vosloorus, were finally relocated by the City of Ekurhuleni after living in fear for years because of the developing sinkholes near their homes.

The sinkholes have struck the entire street, including homes, a preschool and a church on Umboboyi Street.

However, the CoE identified two families as the most affected. They relocated the Masilela and Gumede families on April 6 after the families endured a month-long wait.

This was confirmed by both families and Ward 95 Clr Khehla Phillip Madlala, who escalated the matter to the CoE after the families reported it to him on February 13.

The Masilela family, who lived on 20450 Umboboyi Street, was moved to Ext 8, Vosloorus, and the Gumedes, the Masilela’s neighbours, on 20449 Umboboyi Street, were moved to another area within Nfundo Park.

Masilela, who refused to give her name, lives with her husband, sister and two children.

She said they are pleased with their new home. However, they had a challenge with the geyser, but the CoE sent a plumber to fix it.

“They gave us three options for houses on a budget of R8 000 or below for rent a month. We chose this one in Ext 8 because it is not an inconvenience in terms of travelling. We are close to schools,” said Masilela.

“I am happy, but I hope they start working and make progress while we stay here. We do not want to find they moved us for nothing.”

Sphamandla Gumede said they were not given a time frame for the assessment of their house, but he hopes they can return home in at least three months because they were told their move is temporary.

He said that, as per their agreement, the CoE would cover the rental.

Gumede lives with his grandmother and two younger brothers.

“So far, we are doing well, but we would be happy if they sped up the process of rehabilitating the place so that we can return home. Home is better. We are cultural people, and when you live in a rental, there are certain things we cannot do,” he explained.

“For example, hosting a funeral when someone passes away. We do not know what we will do.”

He said the process needs to be expedited, or they must get a permanent place because they had experienced this before.

“Eight years ago, we had to move out of our houses for three months because the sinkhole was developing at house 20450, behind their cottage.

“Scientists and geologists were brought in. They demolished the cottage and rebuilt it. At the time, there were signs that the house might have also been affected, but they did not do repairs to it,” he continued.

“We suspect the sinkhole developed underneath the house because the house is moving into the ground and has cracks wide enough to put your hand through.”

The CoE spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, told Kathorus MAIL that a detailed geotechnical investigation would be done. Once completed, a scientific assessment based on the results would be made.

He said other affected properties are under discussion at the Department of Human Settlement, which will inform the city.

Madlala was encouraged that moving the families to safety went as planned.

“The challenge is now on the responsible municipal department to ensure that rehabilitation of the sinkholes and the rebuilding of the houses take place in a short period, with the budget and municipal processes permitting, to enable the families to return to a safe living environment,” said Madlala.

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