He said the city was investigating to determine the extent of the sinkhole and prepare for rehabilitation.
Most of Gauteng's sinkholes occur in the greater Centurion and Carletonville/Khutsong regions, Willem Meintjes, from the Council for Geoscience, told Sunday Times Daily last year.
Dolomitic rock underlies about 25% of Gauteng, with Meintjes saying “active and stringent implementation of risk-management and mitigation measures” were vital if land in the region was developed.
Research showed sinkholes could be almost eliminated by dolomite risk management.
“This typically includes maintenance of water-bearing infrastructure, upgrading and replacement of ageing infrastructure, stormwater management and control, and land-use restrictions, among other things,” Meintjes said.
“In Gauteng, but more specifically in Tshwane, the primary causes of sinkholes are concentrated stormwater ingress, especially after heavy rains, or leaking water-bearing infrastructure.”
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That sinking feeling: Part of Snake Valley Road in Tshwane closed due to sinkhole
Image: Alon Skuy
Tshwane has advised motorists in Centurion's Valhalla area to avoid Snake Valley Road (M24) between Old Johannesburg (R101) and Fjord roads as it has been closed due to a sinkhole.
According to the city, it was shut down after large cracks were noticed last Thursday.
Tshwane metro police spokesperson Sen Supt Isaac Mahamba said at first one lane was affected, but it later extended to four.
“On October 28 and 29 the affected area was observed to be increasing in size and depth and was classified as a sinkhole. The affected area extends from inside the military property, across the road and up to the verge on the southern side.”
Mahamba emphasised that the road was unsafe for motorists and pedestrians.
“The city urges all members of the public to exercise caution in the area and map alternative routes.”
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He said the city was investigating to determine the extent of the sinkhole and prepare for rehabilitation.
Most of Gauteng's sinkholes occur in the greater Centurion and Carletonville/Khutsong regions, Willem Meintjes, from the Council for Geoscience, told Sunday Times Daily last year.
Dolomitic rock underlies about 25% of Gauteng, with Meintjes saying “active and stringent implementation of risk-management and mitigation measures” were vital if land in the region was developed.
Research showed sinkholes could be almost eliminated by dolomite risk management.
“This typically includes maintenance of water-bearing infrastructure, upgrading and replacement of ageing infrastructure, stormwater management and control, and land-use restrictions, among other things,” Meintjes said.
“In Gauteng, but more specifically in Tshwane, the primary causes of sinkholes are concentrated stormwater ingress, especially after heavy rains, or leaking water-bearing infrastructure.”
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
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