Centurion in the Tshwane Metro should be declared a disaster area after yet another sinkhole formed in Lyttelton on Sunday.
There are currently 64 sinkholes in Centurion, highlighting the urgent need to rehabilitate the area, and maintain or replace water and sewage infrastructure.
The latest sinkhole in Jade Avenue, Lyttelton, formed after tree roots grew through an asbestos water pipe, causing an underground water leak in a resident’s yard.
Metro teams are currently working on a bypass system to restore water supply to the area.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) advised the Department of Roads to close Jade Avenue in case the road’s underground structure has been compromised.
The party also requested a meeting with the mayor, Dr Hazel Moya, to discuss the issues surrounding deteriorating infrastructure and the relevant motion tabled before the Council on 29 May.
During the council meeting, a petition with 3 500 signatures was submitted, demanding that Centurion be declared a disaster area to secure funding from the national and Gauteng governments’ disaster funds.
The sinkholes in Centurion, located mainly on dolomitic soil, are primarily caused by water and sewage leaks.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep pressuring the Metro to declare it a disaster area so the necessary funds can be obtained from the national and/or provincial disaster funds, as the Metro lacks the resources to replace outdated infrastructure and rehabilitate sinkholes.
Decisive action should be taken immediately to prevent the loss of lives.
