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Repair Efforts Initiated for Rondebult Road Sinkhole
Amid the authorities’ silence regarding the delayed resolution of the troublesome Rondebult Road sinkhole, the Boksburg Advertiser has uncovered a pivotal development: the Council for Geoscience (CGS) has taken a decisive step towards rectifying the road’s condition. This significant move follows months of public discontent over perceived governmental inaction, exacerbating gridlocked traffic on alternative routes, compounded by load-shedding disruptions.
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Prompted by readers’ grievances, the publication revisited the site and serendipitously encountered CGS representatives. They divulged their mission to meticulously assess the sinkhole’s potential causes, marking the inaugural phase of the road’s rehabilitation process.
Though both the Metro and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy have yet to respond to the outlet’s inquiries, it is evident that the outcome of the CGS investigation will determine the ensuing remedial actions and establish the responsible party – be it the Metro or provincial government – for the repair costs.
The sinkhole initially emerged in early February, prompting the Metro to seal off the affected segment as a precautionary measure entirely. Subsequently, a nightmare scenario unfolded for commuters, triggering unparalleled traffic congestion, cargo transport delays, and impeding daily commutes.
Gugulethu Dumakude, a concerned Comet resident whose residence lies near the sinkhole, implores swift governmental intervention. His appeal stems from the sinkhole’s threat to their homes’ stability and the consequent economic and environmental ramifications.
Living in constant fear, Dumakude reports seismic activities occurring since the sinkhole’s formation. As the chasm widens daily, residents fear for their homes’ integrity. Moreover, traffic turmoil has become a daily ordeal, transforming routine journeys onto Rondebult Road into bumper-to-bumper nightmares during peak hours.
The road closure’s ripple effect extends to the local economy. Delays in cargo deliveries and frequent tardiness of workers due to traffic snarls destabilise the region’s economic activities, adding to the urgency of governmental intervention.
Previous attempts at initiating remedial action encountered obstacles in the form of a jurisdictional dispute between the city and the Council for Geoscience. While the city initially referred the matter to the CGS, claiming that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy should bear responsibility due to potential mining-related causes, the CGS shifted the onus back to the Metro.
Acknowledging the dire impact of the road closure, Zweli Dlamini, the metro spokesperson, underscores the route’s significance to the region’s economic vitality. Stressing its role in connecting producers to markets, workers to jobs, and facilitating access to essential facilities, Dlamini seeks public patience as the city collaborates with stakeholders to address the predicament.
Additionally, concerns have arisen about the lack of traffic management on busy Boksburg roads. The EMPD media liaison officer, Inspector Kobeli Mokheseng, notes that EMPD officers, including traffic wardens, have been deployed during peak hours to control and divert traffic onto alternative routes.
Incorporating direct quotes, detailed descriptions, and a narrative structure, the article captures the community’s frustration, the authorities’ responses, and the implications of the ongoing sinkhole issue. The tone alternates between exasperation and urgency, amplifying the call for effective resolution.
Source: WATCH: Authorities take a step towards fixing Rondebult Road sinkhole
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Photo: Supplied by the Citizen
