Clifton sinkhole stabilised after sewage pipe diversion

A large sinkhole that began forming on Clifton Avenue in 2022 has stopped expanding following the successful diversion of a sewerage pipe.

The pipe is suspended underneath a steel bridge that was installed across the sinkhole.

The sinkhole was previously growing at an alarming rate, which caused knock-on effects on the surrounding area.

In mid-April, the Centurion Hospice adjacent to the sinkhole site suffered from repeated sewage leaks on its grounds, which continued for three weeks and flooded parts of the premises.

Hospice spokesperson Hyla van den Berg said that since the metro made repairs, there have been no sewage leaks on their premises.

She said although they have not experienced any problems recently, there are still concerns about the damage the sinkhole might cause in future.

Van den Berg said it was important for them to stay alert at all times because the sinkhole continues to pose a big threat to the hospice.

“We have not had any incidents for the past 30 days, but I would not say that it will not happen again.

“Until the sinkhole is repaired, we are always alert to anything that could happen,” she said.

Van den Berg said one of the biggest issues they have is the sinkhole closes down a route that leads to the hospice, which makes it difficult for people who don’t know the area to find alternative routes.

“The GPS does not show alternative routes as yet, so some people who are not familiar with the area would go and arrive at a dead end because they are not sure where to go,” she said.

“Most of our average supporters are old people who do not want to use another route that they are not used to, so it really does pose a problem.”

She said she was worried the sinkhole might expand in the future and engulf the hospice.

In September 2022, the earth gave way as the sinkhole expanded, exposing water supply and effluent lines that hung in the air instead of being on the ground.

A year later, in February 2023, a similar incident occurred when residents watched a disaster unfold as the sinkhole engulfed two properties in the area.

Van den Berg said there was no way of knowing what the outcome of the future could be.

“It could either rain heavily tonight and the sinkhole spreads into our premises, or it could stabilise for the next five years and nothing happens.

“No one knows what to expect.”

She said although the metro had made plans to ensure residents and businesses in the area don’t face too many issues because of the sinkhole, it would be hard for people to ignore the threat that it poses to their livelihoods.

Ward 57 councillor David Farquharson said the sinkhole would not be fixed this year since there was only around R15-million budgeted for this year.

Farquharson previously said the sinkhole repair could cost R30-million.

He said as the sinkhole continued to grow, temporary solutions had to be found.

“The construction of the bridge over the sinkhole to solve the repeated leaks has now been completed, but it only allows pedestrians to walk past.”

He said the bridge was not big enough for cars and trucks to drive through.

Farquharson added that the sinkhole has been a headache for residents and businesses in the area.

In April, metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the sinkhole was a priority for repairs, but work could only begin once it had stopped expanding and the geotechnical investigation was concluded.

Mashigo recently told Rekord the geological investigations were expected to be completed before mid-July 2024.

He said the sinkhole had stopped expanding.

“The sinkhole has stopped growing and we have managed to divert the sewerage pipe, which will be suspended underneath the steel bridge.”

He said the diversion of the stormwater pipes and accommodation of the stormwater systems underneath the bridge was approximately 90% complete.

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