With the likelihood of rainfall over the next few weeks, the CoE advises residents to monitor the early signs of the possible development of sinkholes on their properties.
Sinkholes are caused mainly by stagnant water and constant water pipe leaks, resulting in underground erosion.
To mitigate water pipe leaks and the resultant development of sinkholes, the city is replacing old concrete pipes with more flexible ones that can withstand unstable ground. Such pipes can move with the ground without breaking if anything shifts.
Early signs include a house tilting to one side, some sinking of the ground, and depressions or inexplainable holes in the yard, no matter their size.
Ekurhuleni is a highly dolomitic area, and as a result, the city advises residents to use professionals when building or extending their homes because they will know how to navigate the building conditions, conduct land surveying and determine the appropriate building materials for specific land conditions. This way, you mitigate the threat of sinkholes on your property.
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The public is encouraged to report suspicious dolomite or sinkhole signs through their local Customer Care Centre (CCC), call 0860 543 000 or 011 999 4666/4940.
After reporting the incident, the city will send experts to inspect and assess the situation. Should the assessment confirm a sinkhole threat, the occupants might be asked to evacuate the property for safety reasons, depending on the severity of the risk detected.
If the experts recommend evacuation, the area will be cordoned off to deny unauthorised access. A detailed geotechnical investigation will determine the cause and extent of the sinkhole. Rehabilitation then starts, and the area is reinstated to its original state.
The occupants are then told when to return. The public is warned against trying to access a cordoned-off property because it could result in the loss of life.
After all, the decision to evacuate is informed by the threat, as demonstrated by the investigation carried out by experts.
