After completing R4.4 million in repairs, the City of Tshwane has reopened Amcor Road in Centurion, which was closed for three years due to a massive sinkhole.

Kholofelo Morodi, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Region 4, was thrilled to announce the official reopening of the road after extensive repairs were completed on the large sinkhole that had forced its closure since April 2022.

She said the reopening marks not only the restoration of a vital road but also the city’s commitment to rebuilding infrastructure and restoring public trust.

The sinkhole was caused by a severe underground water leak that destabilised the entire width of the road.

At the time, it was estimated to be approximately 12 meters long, 5 meters wide, and 18 meters deep. 

Morodi said: “For safety reasons, the road was immediately closed, and the leaking pipe was diverted to prevent further damage. The closure disrupted daily life for many residents, with some even forced to relocate their gates and driveways. The detour also meant longer travel times to places like Doringkloof Mall and the local NG Kerk.”

She said geological investigations were finalised in August 2023, and repair works officially began in May 2025. 

“Upon commencement, it was discovered that the sinkhole had expanded significantly over the three years, surpassing initial size and cost estimates. The total cost of repairs is projected at around R4.4 million, pending final certification,” she said.

According to her, the city took a methodical and safety-first approach to the repairs, which involved using imported rock boulders to stabilise the sinkhole up to two meters below ground level, followed by the application of high-slump concrete to fill cavities and reinforce structural integrity.

“Boreholes were grouted to prevent future subsidence, and the site was backfilled with compacted soil in line with engineering standards. Damaged water and sewer lines were replaced, and the road was reconstructed using durable materials, including a medium asphalt surfacing,” she said.

Residents of Centurion have welcomed the reopening of the road for restoring access and convenience to key locations within the area.

One of them, Allen Truder, said: “This road is a shortcut to the mall at Doringkloof and the NG Kerk. It used to take more time to get there, but now that it’s open, it will take less than five minutes.”

Last week, the Freedom Front Plus in Tshwane said it was pushing for urgent action to address the sinkhole crisis through a campaign to petition the city to declare Region 4 a disaster area. 

The party has collected 3,500 physical signatures by visiting schools and engaging with the community. An online campaign has also been launched to gather more signatures.

Tshwane has budgeted R14.7 million to address the sinkhole crisis, but it falls far short of the estimated R180 million needed to fix over 60 sinkholes.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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