The Ekurhuleni Metro’s Department of Roads and Storm Water should immediately thoroughly investigate Germiston’s underground infrastructure following the formation of a sinkhole.
This is essential to determine whether the city’s underground systems have been damaged and to prevent further sinkholes.
The request follows the formation of a sinkhole last week at the corner of Rissik and Main Reef Road, Germiston.
This sinkhole was directly caused by illegal underground mining activities that not only threaten ground stability, but have also seriously damaged a major Rand Water pipeline.
Although the pipeline has been repaired, the extent of the damage to other underground infrastructure remains unclear.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) will raise the issue in the upcoming council meeting, demanding that the Metro stop turning a blind eye to illegal mining, but take decisive action.
A sinkhole is not merely a hole in the ground – it is a warning sign of collapsing infrastructure, failed law enforcement and an administration that only reacts once damage has already been done.
Motorists and residents’ safety should not be endangered due to authorities’ negligence.
The Metro is well aware of the illegal mining activities in Germiston, but has done nothing to address it so far.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep pressing for a thorough investigation to be conducted at once to prevent any further damage or loss of life.
