Khutsong sinkhole repaired but new hazard left behind by contractor

The Citizen

15-05-2025

Khutsong, South Africa – May 2025
A municipal contractor has completed work on a massive sinkhole near Hlanganani Primary School in Khutsong — but instead of fully resolving the problem, the site has now been left with new safety hazards that put the community at risk.
The Herald first reported in March that a contractor appointed by the Merafong City Local Municipality began filling the large sinkhole, which had caved in back in December 2021 due to a long-standing sewage leak. The site, located directly across from the primary school, has remained a source of public concern and controversy for years.
Millions
spent,
yet
new
safety
threat
emerges
According to municipal documents, the most recent 'refurbishment' project cost an additional R6 million, awarded to a local contractor. This follows a previous scandal, currently under Hawks investigation, in which almost R5 million was allegedly paid for work that was never completed. That case was opened in October 2024 and remains under investigation.
Despite delays caused by heavy rain, the latest work was completed by 8 May 2025. However, when The Herald visited the site the next day, several new problems were evident.
Gravel
extraction
leaves
dangerous
hole
in
nearby
veld
Roughly 500 metres from the repaired sinkhole, the contractor left behind a large excavation site where gravel was sourced for the fill. This gaping hole is not only a hazard to pedestrians, especially children walking through the veld, but it could also become a breeding ground for another sinkhole if water begins to collect there.
Khutsong has seen over 10 sinkholes form in the vicinity of the school in the past 15 years, mostly due to water and sewage accumulating underground.
Unfinished
work
poses
danger
to
learners
and
residents
In addition to the gravel pit, the sinkhole site was not properly levelled, raising concerns about erosion and accessibility. Even more alarming, The Herald observed that a manhole and stormwater drain next to the site remain wide open, posing serious risks to learners and passersby. These openings are so deep that someone could easily fall in, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
Silence
from
Merafong
Municipality
Despite inquiries sent on Monday, the Merafong City Local Municipality has not responded to questions about the unfinished work, the newly created hazards, or what steps will be taken to address them.
Community
calls
for
accountability
With millions spent and the safety of schoolchildren at stake, local residents are demanding answers and accountability. The situation once again highlights the ongoing issues with municipal infrastructure, mismanagement, and the long-term risks posed by unchecked water and sewage leaks in dolomitic areas like Khutsong.
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