Life-threatening sinkholes in Khutsong: R12 million allocated, but no progress made

ActionSA has sounded the alarm over the escalating sinkhole crisis in Khutsong, urging the Gauteng Provincial Government to act swiftly before the situation claims any lives.

The party said that during a recent listening tour held at Ward 8, residents led them to yet another massive sinkhole in Section B, a chilling reminder of the neglect and incompetence that has left the people of Khutsong living in constant fear.

ActionSA further said that despite repeated warnings and documented evidence of rapidly expanding sinkholes, the provincial government has failed to implement comprehensive interventions to safeguard lives and infrastructure.

“Premier Panyaza Lesufi has acknowledged the crisis in his previous State of the Province Addresses, yet there has been no meaningful action to provide permanent solutions.”

The party highlighted that the rising number of sinkholes in Merafong, particularly in Khutsong, poses a significant threat to homes, schools, roads, and essential services.

“We cannot and will not wait for another tragedy to unfold before the government takes action. The growing number of sinkholes in Merafong, particularly in Khutsong, poses an imminent danger to homes, schools, roads, and essential services. The risk of entire sections of the community collapsing into the ground is no longer hypothetical; it is a real and present danger,” said ActionSA.

Moiketsi Ntilane, councillor of Merafong Agents of Change, stated that the pace at which sinkholes are being addressed is unsatisfactory. He further highlighted a controversial issue, alleging that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) allocated funds for the rehabilitation of the centre, but the money was spent with no work done.

Ntilane further stated that an additional 7 million was recently allocated to the same sinkhole during the special council meeting at Merafong local municipality on February 26.

“COGTA allocated around R5 million for the rehabilitation of the centre, but the money was spent with no work done. Now, an additional R7 million has been allocated to the same sinkhole—one wonders what is going on,” he said.

Ntilane also highlighted that one of the sinkholes is located next to a primary school, posing further dangers to the students, as there is no fencing to prevent them from accessing the sinkhole.

“The sinkhole is right next to Hlanganani primary school, and kids are kids, there’s no fencing from stopping children from going there and the money that's been allocated seems to be disappearing,” he added.

ActionSA has called for immediate actions, including declaring Khutsong a Disaster Area to unlock emergency funding, implementing evacuation plans for high-risk families, conducting geotechnical assessments to prevent further collapses, establishing a transparent rehabilitation plan with clear timelines and oversight, and holding accountable those responsible for the reported R5 million wasted on unfinished sinkhole projects.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za