There are currently over 5,000 sinkholes reported in Gauteng alone.
A chunk of these (3,000) are in the West Rand, another 1,463 in the far West Rand, 441 in Ekurhuleni, 63 in Tshwane and about 20 in Johannesburg.
The one of Hendrik Potgieter Drive, near Hillfox Centre is just one example. The Gauteng Roads and Transport Department, said geotechnical experts are investigating.
Jacob Mamabolo, MEC of the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), said “sinkholes are not just geological events, they are a test of how well we plan, manage and maintain infrastructure.”
Mamabolo was speaking at a round table discussion held at the Silverstar Casino, on Friday.
Expert scientists, engineers, academia, mining companies and communities, discussed dolomite and sinkholes.
This is because a report from the Council of Geosciences (CGS) found while some sinkholes might occur naturally, others are driven by human activity, including aging infrastructure, mining and groundwater extraction.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have techno tools to penetrate the ground for early detection, to allow for a more centralised science-led risk detection.
Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, Deputy Minister of Cogta, said “we must position South Africa as a leader in addressing dolomitic land challenges.”
Masemola also called for strong political and administrative leadership, to transform discussions into actionable work.
Picture: Supplied