A concerning issue has emerged on Drakensberg Drive, Newcastle, where part of the road is gradually sinking, creating a hazardous depression that resembles a sinkhole. This worsening situation presents a serious risk to motorists unaware of the danger.
The alarming discovery was made on Monday morning, 9 September 2024, when a vigilant resident took to social media to alert the community about the condition of the road.
The damaged section is located on the left-hand lane adjacent to the shopping complex where the Pick n Pay Family store is situated. The sight of the road collapsing has understandably created a growing sense of unease among local residents.
The cause of the tarmac’s gradual sinking remains unclear, but it comes just months after a leaking sewage pipe was repaired in the same area.
As reported by Newcastillian News in June 2024, the Newcastle Municipality had previously been forced to close a section of the road to address a collapsed sewer pipe that had been leaking sewage for over a year.
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Furthermore, the Newcastle Municipality has responded by cordoning off the affected section of the road to prevent accidents. Additionally, Executive Council Member for the Newcastle Municipality, Cllr Faizel Cassim stated, “A team will address the matter and repair the damaged road. However, due to the current weather conditions, the team cannot work on it until the weather has cleared up.”
In the meantime, residents are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when driving along Drakensberg Drive in the above described area.
What are your thoughts on this alarming situation? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 2
This is all due to poor workmanship standards are not followed and poor foundations laid after working on roads the municipality should do better jobs when repairs are done
Newcastle’s roads are in a sad state of disrepair. After yesterday’s tiny bit of rain, this is what happened. Imagine what our roads will look during peak rain season. Ignoring the state of our roads, and patching potholes won’t make the problem go away. Road maintenance should be high on the list of priorities, along withk proper water supply and decent lighting. And, lastly, what are the ward councillors doing about it, and where are they hiding??