A growing sinkhole on Duncan Road and Harvard Avenue in the Glenwood suburb of Durban has raised serious safety concerns among residents, who fear vehicles could plunge into it and that heavy rain could worsen the situation.
According to local accounts, the problem began earlier this year around February when part of the road started eroding. It has since developed into a large sinkhole, reportedly caused by damage to an underground stormwater drainage pipe.
Residents have attempted to cordon off the area themselves to prevent vehicles from entering the sinkhole, but concerns remain high as the hole continues to increase in size. One of the jersey barriers placed for safety has already fallen into the chasm.
Ward councillor Friend Christopher described the situation as a “major concern” for the community. “We are experiencing the sinkhole actually increasing in size. So we are very fearful that a vehicle can plunge into it,” he said. He noted that roads authorities have allocated jersey barriers, but they are insufficient, adding that other smaller sinkholes in the area have previously caused vehicles to fall in.
Councillor Christopher confirmed he has engaged with the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) for signage and warnings, as well as the roads department and the water and sanitation department. He said the city’s response has been delayed by procurement processes. “It takes about a month just to allocate the tender and then we’re looking at about another month for the actual work to begin,” he explained.
Local security teams from the Pigeon Valley UIP are conducting vigilant patrols at night to help secure the area and protect residents.
The municipality has acknowledged the issue and stated that a tender process is currently underway to repair the damaged stormwater pipe and fix the sinkhole. However, residents are calling for the process to be expedited, warning that if it rains, water could enter the sinkhole, causing it to expand further and potentially compromising nearby houses and endangering lives.
The reporter on the scene highlighted the visible damage, pointing to exposed face bricks where the pipe has failed, and emphasised the urgency expressed by those living in the affected area.
This is the latest in a series of sinkhole incidents in parts of the country, with similar large formations previously reported in areas like Katlehong. Residents in Glenwood say the city needs to act swiftly to address their concerns before the situation deteriorates further.