By Doreen Mokgolo
Residents of the Jerusalem Informal Settlement in Ekurhuleni are living in fear as massive sinkholes loom large and menacing.
Two sinkholes, measuring a staggering 10 and 20 metres in width, appeared over three years ago, and they continue to widen, putting lives at risk.
Maria Mofokeng, a terrified resident, shared her harrowing experience with Scrolla.Africa, revealing how they are trapped in their homes, with their young children’s safety hanging in the balance.
“It is a nightmare to sleep at night as the sinkhole is creeping closer to our shack,” Mofokeng said, her voice trembling with fear.
The larger sinkhole is dangerously close to the residents’ shacks, and the trauma of a neighbour whose shack collapsed into the sinkhole while he was asleep still haunts the community. With possessions swallowed by the sinkhole’s dark abyss, he was fortunate to survive.
Desperate to protect themselves, the residents pooled their resources and installed a razor wire security fence around the sinkhole. However, their efforts were in vain as the fence was stolen by addicts just days later, leaving them vulnerable and exposed.
“We have resorted to locking the gates during the day to safeguard our children, but even that may not be enough. What if they are swallowed by the sinkhole while playing in the yard?” Mofokeng shared, her anxiety palpable.
Despite their repeated pleas to the Ekurhuleni metro authorities, the community claims to have been ignored for three long years.
“We have been begging the metro to close both sinkholes since they appeared, but we are told there is no budget,” lamented community leader Chris Mabaso, his frustration evident. “Are they waiting for a tragedy to happen before they take action and rehabilitate the sinkholes?”
As the community’s safety hangs in the balance, the lack of response from the metro officials has left them feeling neglected and abandoned.
With no comment from the Ekurhuleni metro officials at the time of going to press, the residents of Jerusalem Informal Settlement continue to live in fear, bracing for the next catastrophe that these voracious sinkholes may bring.
Pictured above: The 20-meter sink-hole
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
