Sinkhole with car ‘parked’ in it gets attention
ATHOLL – According to Atholl resident Mark Kirby the sinkhole has grown in size overtime, now stretching over a few meters long.
After seven months of escalations, the ever-growing sinkhole on Froome Street, Atholl has finally received the attention of the City.
This was after some residents came home to find that a red car had ‘parked’ itself in the sinkhole on October 8.
According to Atholl resident Mark Kirby, the sinkhole had grown in size over time, stretching over a few metres due to the Johannesburg Roads Agency’s (JRA) apparent lack of communication and urgency.
“We have been escalating this sinkhole with the City for months at this point and now this [accident] has happened,” said Kerby.
According to JRA spokesperson Mosa Makhalima, the initial sinkhole was the result of a collapse caused by a blocked stormwater drain.
A trench, that was barricaded, was then dug by the JRA for investigation.
“However, it must be noted that the blockage is caused by recyclers who put plastic and tins into the pipe. The solution would be removing the recyclers to another place away from the stormwater pipe,” said Makhalima.
A team of the depot had cleared the pipe and was currently (November 5) in the process of reinstating the road.
With regards to the car in the sinkhole, Makhalima noted that the area had always been barricaded off for safety.
“[It is alleged] that the red car drove in over the barricade and fell in the excavated hole. The driver was driving on the wrong side of the road.”
Kerby reiterated that JRA’s apparent lack of communication regarding this issue was of extreme concern.
“I hope that no more accidents happen again, it is so dangerous for residents in this area.”
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/299926/residents-must-hold-jra-to-account/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/303925/morningside-pavement-mystery/
