Giant Sinkhole Swallows Road in Centurion: Residents Demand Urgent Action
Centurion, Gauteng – A massive sinkhole has opened up in Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, sparking widespread safety concerns and prompting residents to demand immediate action from authorities. The gaping chasm, located at the intersection of Burger Avenue and Langerbrink Road, has swallowed a section of the road, leaving residents fearing for their safety and raising questions about the stability of the surrounding infrastructure.
The sinkhole, first noticed earlier this week, has rapidly expanded, now measuring several meters wide and deep. Dramatic images circulating online show the sheer scale of the problem, with the hole appearing to extend deep into the earth. The road has been closed off to traffic, causing significant disruption to commuters and local businesses.
“It’s terrifying,” said resident Martha Kruger, who lives nearby. “The ground just disappeared! We heard a rumbling noise, and then suddenly there was this huge hole. We’re worried about our homes, and we’re worried about anyone walking or driving near it.”
Local authorities, including the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, have been alerted and are currently assessing the situation. Geotechnical engineers are on-site conducting investigations to determine the cause of the sinkhole and to evaluate the risk of further collapse. Preliminary assessments suggest that heavy rainfall in recent weeks may have contributed to the ground erosion, weakening the underlying soil structure. However, residents suspect that aging infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems could also be factors.
“We’ve been reporting issues with drainage in this area for years,” stated community leader, David Molefe. “The council has been slow to respond, and now we’re facing this crisis. We need urgent action to repair the road and, more importantly, to address the underlying issues that caused this sinkhole to form.”
The City of Tshwane has assured residents that the situation is being treated with the utmost seriousness. A temporary repair plan is being developed, but officials warn that a long-term solution may be required, potentially involving extensive ground stabilization and infrastructure upgrades. They anticipate that the road closure will remain in effect for an extended period while the necessary work is carried out.
This incident is not an isolated one. Sinkholes have become an increasingly common occurrence in Gauteng, particularly in areas with dolomite geology. Experts warn that climate change and increased urbanization are exacerbating the problem, putting more stress on the ground and increasing the risk of sinkhole formation.
Residents of Lyttelton Manor are now anxiously awaiting further updates from the authorities, hoping for a swift and safe resolution to this alarming situation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive infrastructure maintenance and the need to address the underlying geological challenges facing the region.
