JUST IN: Bluff roads’ sinkholes finally get their fix

Repairs have finally begun today (Thursday, 1 February) on the infamous Tara Road sinkhole as contractors met on Wednesday afternoon for a final planning meeting.

The sinkhole caused a stir since it developed during the 10 October storm last year.

Part of Tara Road was claimed by the growing sinkhole, which affected traffic flow as it has to be barricaded to protect the Engen and Sapref Refineries’ petroleum pipelines which are located underneath the servitude on the verge. Several accidents have taken place, with motorists colliding with the barriers. The exposed cabling which was left unattended for four months also sparked fear that cable thieves might take notice. The repairs to Tara Road will cost R500,000 and the completion of the road’s rehabilitation is expected to take between eight and 10 weeks.
READ: Bluff sinkhole detour threatens refinery pipelines
Other areas affected by the October storm include Brighton Road, where a sinkhole has exposed a large portion of the road, which has only a thin veneer of tar and no undercarriage support.

“Sinkholes or washaways have afflicted Brighton and Donnaleigh Road (roads and stormwater repairs) which will cost R500,000 to repair, while the Stableford Road washaway which will cost R800,000 to reinstate and Chipstead Avenue will cost R1-million to repair,” added Cllr Prinsloo.

READ: Bluff washaways, sinkholes due for R3-m repairs
Thanks to the relentless pressure put on the city by the Bluff councillor, repairs will begin to Tara Road and other affected roads including Brighton Road, Chipstead Avenue and Stableford Road within the next two weeks. “Tara Road is a priority and will also act as the base of operation while contractors sort out the other roads,” he added.

READ: Bluff sinkhole leaves biker in fight for his life

Each project will be assigned a community liaison officer who will provide detailed weekly reports. Labour for the projects will be sourced locally.