LOOK: Residents bake cake for Boksburg sinkhole's birthday
Residents in Boksburg 'celebrated' the almost three-year anniversary of a local sinkhole with a birthday cake.
It's been nearly three years since a massive sinkhole swallowed up a section of Rondebult Road in Boksburg, and it's still not repaired.
In true South African fashion, locals have turned to humour to draw attention to the ongoing issue.
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Ekurhuleni councillor Simon Lapping and ward councillor Marius de Vos recently held a birthday party for the 20-metre-deep sinkhole, which has reportedly kept the busy road closed for nearly three years.
According to The Citizen, the cake was made by Alti Fouche of Silla Speciality Cakes.
The chocolate cake was designed to resemble the damaged road, complete with a deep gouge symbolising the infamous sinkhole.
"We usually deliver cakes with singing fairygrams, but to parties and people celebrating special occasions. Today is the first time we’re delivering a cake to a sinkhole. It's very exciting—happy birthday, sinkhole!" said Fouche.
Lapping even plans to share a slice with Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.
Although this might seem like a light-hearted form of protest, the situation is serious.
"This is a key connector road," said De Vos, noting that Rondebult Road links three major national highways, the N12, N17, and R21, which are essential for industry and the local economy.
For over two and a half years, traffic has been rerouted, increasing pressure on drivers, logistics companies, and local businesses.
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"We have more than 40,000 vehicles a day travelling through here," Lapping added.
"This is costing potentially over R1 billion a year in transport costs alone."
The Citizen reports that the City of Ekurhuleni says it intends to repair the sinkhole, but currently lacks the funds.
Spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed the repairs would cost around R150 million.
Unfortunately, the budget does not allow for it at this time.
It's been nearly three years since a massive sinkhole swallowed up a section of Rondebult Road in Boksburg, and it's still not fixed.
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Image: The Citizen