WATCH: Centurion sinkhole will cost millions
The sinkhole, which appeared two weeks ago in Laudium, is now said to be about 30 metres deep, and has caused the collapse of the walls of two nearby private residences.
Site inspection at the Laudium sinkhole.
A major new sinkhole in Centurion will cost the provincial government close to R50 million to repair, Centurion Rekord reports.
This emerged as political decision-makers visited the hole in Laudium on Monday.
READ MORE: Laudium’s sinkhole just keeps on growing
Roads and transport MEC Ismail Vadi, Gauteng premier David Makhura and Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga met at the gaping cavity.
Tshwane MMC for roads and transport Sheila-Lynn Senkubuge also attended.
She revealed the expense of repairs, saying the provincial government would carry the cost.
Vadi confirmed the money would be made available.
The sinkhole, which made its appearance two weeks ago in Laudium, is now said to be about 30 metres deep.
It was discovered after the recent heavy rains. It caved in further overnight, resulting in the collapse of the walls of two nearby private residences.
The sinkhole also caused the destruction of the R55 highway as it spans both lanes of the provincial route.
Vadi said the dual carriage-way would meanwhile be turned into a single-lane highway to maintain traffic flow.
Vadi said a short section of the R55 Quagga Road (northbound), between Second and Third avenues near Laudium, was closed for traffic.
Sheila-Lynn Senkubuge said geologists advised the hole should be allowed to collapse naturally before any repairs were undertaken.
She said the metro police would monitor the sinkhole and also seek to prevent anyone from getting close to it.
The collapse happened just before 23:00 on Saturday night, said Laudium disaster management spokesperson Ibraheem Dockrat.
He warned that the surrounding ground was likely to continue crumbling away.
Residents and motorists were advised to exercise extreme caution in the area and to not stop to view the sinkhole.
Ward councillor Mahomed Essop said the sinkhole was getting worse and curiosity could lead to injury.
“People are strongly advised not to go near the sinkhole. It is deep and unstable.”
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/laudium-sinkhole-keeps-on-growing/
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