Merafong residents bemoan sinkhole relocation plans
Merafong residents on the West Rand say they live in constant fear as sinkholes continue to swallow portions of their property.
Residents of the mining town, which is also predominantly built on dolomite, have been plagued by the collapsing ground for over a decade.
They have called on the government to intervene. However, some are not happy with the municipality’s relocation plan.
Dikeledi Magwaza says she buried her mother six months ago and has an emotional connection with their home.
“I don’t have any money or funds to start afresh and rebuild such a house. This house was a bonded house; it’s already paid up, and we have the title deed for it. Even my mother, whom we unfortunately buried six months ago, was aware of this problem. There is a lot of sentimental value.
“If it happens that tomorrow there’s a hole like that one, and it's raining and we have to rush out, we’ll have to move immediately. I’ll have to take the furniture to other people, meaning that I will lose everything,’ lamented Magwaza.
The deputy mayor of Merafong municipality, Mogomotsi Sello, confirmed that land had been secured for the relocation of residents affected by sinkholes.
Some have had to demolish their homes after sinkholes brought down their walls, while others say they live in fear that their homes may collapse.
The problem is exacerbated by wet weather conditions, which most of Gauteng has been experiencing since the weekend.
Sello said they have heeded residents’ complaints about the relocation from their homes to RDP-style houses.
“We must emphasise that we have already spoken to the National Department of Human Settlements that we are not happy to move people from big houses to smaller houses. How do we meet them halfway? Their response has not yet satisfied us. So engagements will continue.”
He says mining company Sibanye has donated a piece of land where they intend to move affected residents; however, those plans are still in the early stages.
Sello said the municipality is also working to rehabilitate sinkholes as they occur and improve infrastructure, such as stormwater drains, to mitigate the formation of new sinkholes.
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