The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes with concern the newly formed sinkhole that has developed at the site of the Khutsong reservoir – this time alarmingly close to the reservoir itself.
This sinkhole is almost three meters deep, with a cavity that extends beneath the surrounding ground.
Worryingly, there are two other sinkholes in close proximity just outside the fence of the site. These sinkholes collapsed about a year ago and the ANC-run Merafongg Local Municipality has failed to rehabilitate them.
This reservoir is also not in use, despite having been completed about five years ago. It was meant to replace the old Khutsong reservoir, which was decommissioned due to sinkholes in the surrounding area. Sinkholes were already visible near the new reservoir during construction, raising serious questions about why the project was allowed to proceed in a known high-risk dolomitic area.
The surrounding community now faces increasing water insecurity, given that there is no functioning reservoir.
Carletonville, the neighbouring town, is also dealing with a decommissioned reservoir due to sinkholes. The rehabilitation of the Carletonville reservoir, otherwise known as the 007 reservoir, was meant to be completed by the end of 2024, but the deadline has now been pushed to June 2026. Despite previous remediation work undertaken between 2015 and 2019, the reservoir remains out of service due to contractor abandonment, new sinkholes, and financial shortfalls.
A DA-led municipality would have conducted proper geotechnical assessments before construction and ensured value for money for residents.
Communities across Merafong deserve safe and reliable infrastructure.
Election 2026 will be a turning point for Merafong, one where the only credible alternative, the DA, will turn the municipality around.