Business proprietors in Cape Town, distressed by a significant downturn in revenue totalling 25% and the loss of millions of rand over six months resulting from the emergence of 12 sinkholes in Montague Gardens, are urging the City to accelerate the restoration of the main thoroughfare or designate the area as a disaster zone.
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Spanning 200 meters in length, these sinkholes have seen underground pipes protruding, effectively blocking patrons from accessing their establishments.
The repercussions extend beyond financial losses; frustrated proprietors now contend with heightened traffic congestion and a surge in accidents stemming from the imposed detours.
Experts caution that prompt repairs and evaluations of the sinkholes are imperative to avert further deterioration and potential collapses.
City authorities attribute the sporadic appearance of sinkholes primarily to deteriorating infrastructure, announcing plans to commence repairs at the vacant lot this week.
According to IOL, the chronicle of sinkhole occurrences commenced on 21 August 2023, with subsequent collapses on 14 September of the previous year, followed by another a week later, and several more in the interim until January.
In an earnest plea for attention, business entities have engaged with the media, asserting that municipal authorities have maintained silence regarding the delayed appointment of a contractor—questioning the fate of one previously selected earlier this year after an initial rejection.
The proprietors have disclosed ongoing discussions with officials and Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, emphasising their frustrations with the enforced single-lane detour and meticulously documenting each sinkhole, repair effort, and exchange with municipal representatives.
Tony Pronk, with 22 years of stewardship over Montague Gardens Hardware, articulated the vexation shared by many, querying the rationale behind City officials’ disregard for appeals to maintain the dual-directional flow on Montague Drive, opting instead for the detour arrangement.
He pondered, ‘Why wasn’t a contractor secured by mid-January to reinstate the roadway following pipeline repairs? It’s been three months since the site lay dormant, despite the mayor’s assurance of an April commencement.’
‘This protracted delay means a cumulative repair duration of around nine months, encompassing both pipeline and road surface restoration, during which the detour has inflicted significant financial strain on Montague Drive businesses, compelling many to seek alternative routes,’ Pronk concluded.
Pronk elaborated on the financial toll on his business by saying, ‘The impact manifests in the additional time my drivers expend navigating the detour multiple times daily. I estimate a loss of approximately 20 to 25% in turnover.’
Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for water and sanitation, acknowledged the occurrence of several sinkholes over a six-month period but assured that structural engineering repairs have commenced this week to finalise the restoration of Montague Drive.
‘Within a span from 21 August of last year to 25 January of this year, a total of 12 sinkholes materialised sporadically. All 12 have since undergone repairs. The subsequent phase of the project entails the reinstatement and surfacing of the road, slated to commence on 2 May.’
Karen Sam Davis, chairperson overseeing marketing and social development for the Central Improvement District responsible for the Montague Gardens/Marconi industrial area, urged for immediate road repairs or the declaration of a disaster, alleging a lack of transparency from the City.
‘The sinkholes have adversely impacted numerous businesses in Montague Gardens, particularly concerning the repair progress of Montague Drive, the area’s main thoroughfare. Assurances were given by the City regarding the completion of roadworks by the end of April.’
‘In my capacity, I reached out via email to the sub-council manager and ward councillor in pursuit of a clear timeline for completion but received no response.
‘Subsequently, I engaged in discussions with the ward councillor, who has now been apprised of the situation. It seems the initially contracted contractor withdrew due to alterations in specifications by the Roads Department regarding the road surface, among other factors.
‘Efforts to secure an alternative contractor were impeded by budgetary disagreements, contributing to delays. My concern lies in the lack of communication regarding these developments, leaving room for speculation.
‘Following the challenges posed by the pandemic, many businesses were in the process of recovery when this setback occurred. I’ve also questioned why disaster risk management measures weren’t activated. Surely, this qualifies as a disaster?’
Badroodien attributed the sinkholes to aging infrastructure and acknowledged the grievances expressed by business owners, affirming ongoing communication channels between stakeholders.
‘Engagement sessions were convened with affected businesses on 11 October 2023, and again on 20 February, providing updates on project progress.’
Regarding the allocated budget for road repair, Badroodien mentioned the approval of a traffic management plan by Traffic Services until the road reinstatement is completed but refrained from disclosing specific figures.
Another business owner, speaking anonymously, revealed a similar 25% loss in turnover, lamenting unprecedented damages exceeding R1 million.
Dr Talia da Silva Burke, a senior lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at Stellenbosch University, referenced recent media reports citing 38 fatalities in South Africa over the past five decades due to sinkhole incidents, with estimated damages totaling around R1 billion, according to the Council of Geoscience.
Da Silva elaborated on the geological mechanics behind sinkhole formation, attributing collapses to underground voids that expand and eventually give way due to insufficient support.
She emphasised the sudden and potentially hazardous nature of sinkhole occurrences, noting their propensity to disrupt infrastructure and pose risks to lives and property. Mitigation efforts entail thorough assessment, void filling, and infrastructure restoration, a process that can extend over several months depending on the scale of the void.
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Picture: @sboshmafu / X