Note to Editors: Please find the attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans from the DA Councillor, Bea Cloete-Campbell.
After several months of applying pressure on the City of Matlosana to address the stormwater drains and sinkholes issue, the DA can now announce that the municipality has finally dispatched a geologist and a team to repair the stormwater infrastructure decay that was causing the prevalence of sinkholes in Stilfontein.
Last Wednesday, the DA was accompanied by the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality management, City of Matlosana’s Infrastructure staff and a geologist to assess possible stormwater sinkhole sites at Stilfontein road and Simon van Der Stel Road.
The sinkholes are caused by stormwater infrastructure decay and neglect of stormwater drain blockages. The sinkholes have engulfed the Stilfontein road and pose a threat to the safety of road users. Please see photos here, here and here.
Following this oversight inspection, the geologist will submit a report that will advise further action regarding the short, medium and long term solutions to fixing the sinkholes. The geologist will also inspect other areas to ascertain the extent of the problem.
Due to DA pressure, the municipality has assigned a team of workers to rebuild the stormwater drains so they can remain intact and not form additional sinkholes. Please see photo here.
It is unacceptable that the municipality has failed to fulfil the basic duty of infrastructure development and maintenance of stormwater drains which are lined to the prevalence of sinkholes across Stilfontein.
The DA will continue to apply pressure and to monitor the situation to ensure that the municipality prioritise the repairs and maintenance of the stormwater infrastructure and sinkholes in the area.