Question NW1281 to the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
05 December 2019 - NW1281
Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Whether she and/or her department have been informed of houses collapsing in Umboboyi Street in Ward 95 in Ekurhuleni because of a sinkhole in the area; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps are being taken to safeguard peoples’ houses against collapse?
Reply:
Yes, the Department has been informed about the sinkhole in Umboboyi Street, Mfundo Park, Extension 30 in Vosloorus. On 02 November 2019 the City of Ekurhuleni deployed its Dolomite Risk Management Section to the area and their inspections revealed that the sinkhole was approximately two meters in circumference and one meter deep.
The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that some houses suffered cracks, but none were reported to have collapsed.
A process is underway to assess the structural integrity of all the affected houses whilst the residents who are in immediate danger are being consulted before they are relocated to a safe location.
The municipality has commenced with a process to solicit the services of a sinkhole specialist contractor to rehabilitate the sinkhole for the safety of the residents and thereby also mitigate potential future risks to nearby dwellings.