Work on R40 sinkhole continues

The R40 sinkhole is in the process of being fixed, however, the repairs were recently interrupted by community members demanding that the contractors on-site give them work.

This is according to Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport spokesperson, Bongani Dhlamini, who said the matter was resolved on May 30 and work on the sinkhole was expected to resume today, May 31.

Lowvelder had previously reported that the sinkhole suddenly formed on the evening of April 25 in the middle lane of the R40 near Drum Rock, going up the hill from Mbombela towards White River.

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It had caused damage to several vehicles’ tyres and rims when it first appeared.

The affected motorists were able to submit the damage claims to the department.

Dhlamini had told the newspaper that resealing work was being done by Pule Construction on the left lane, and that the sinkhole had suddenly appeared in the middle one after the contractor had left the site for the day.

Pule Construction has since said it had subcontracted the site out to two other companies. Lowvelder is in the process of contacting the subcontractors.

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A few days after the sinkhole formed, more complaints from other motorists regarding the loose gravel in the area of the sinkhole were made.

Dhlamini said the department had received complaints from road users regarding the aggregate loss on the road. He said it is attending to them through internal construction project channels.

He added that an overall work inspection will be done of the site once work has been completed.