Centurion, a bustling suburb in Gauteng, is facing an alarming issue as numerous streets remain riddled with gaping holes due to unfinished road repairs. These incomplete repairs pose significant safety risks for residents and motorists, raising concerns about the lack of timely maintenance and the potential dangers of neglected infrastructure. With several trenches left open for months and recurring sinkholes disrupting daily life, the community is increasingly worried about the safety of their neighbourhoods.
Unfinished Repairs: A Growing Problem in Centurion
The issue of unfinished repairs has become a major headache for residents in areas like Eldoraigne, Wierda Park, and The Reeds. Open trenches, often left unfilled for months after water pipe replacements, are a common sight. While these repairs are meant to improve infrastructure, their incomplete state has led to hazardous conditions. Local government authorities, including Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, have explained that delays in backfilling trenches are largely due to weather-related challenges. “The ground must be dry for backfilling to take place. In some cases, we need to import better quality soil,” Mashigo explained in a recent statement.
The wet ground conditions caused by the rainy season, which stretches from December to April, have hampered the city’s ability to fill these trenches promptly. However, these delays have left streets unsafe, with motorists and pedestrians forced to navigate large, uncovered holes in the road.
The Growing Risk of Sinkholes in Centurion
Centurion’s infrastructure problems are not limited to unfinished roadworks. The suburb sits on dolomitic soil, a terrain that is particularly prone to sinkholes. These sinkholes, often caused by heavy rains, have become a regular concern for residents. In early 2025, a sinkhole on Amkor Street, measuring 23 meters long, 5 meters wide, and 18 meters deep, dramatically disrupted traffic and utilities. The City of Tshwane responded by prioritising these sinkholes for repair, although no specific timelines were given.
The combination of unfinished repairs and recurring sinkholes significantly impacts the area’s infrastructure. It’s clear that proactive maintenance is essential to address these challenges, yet delays continue to plague the city.
Expert Opinions on the Safety Hazards
Local councillors, such as Ward 70 Councillor Marika Kruger-Muller, have expressed concern over the ongoing risks posed by these open trenches and sinkholes. “Some trenches have been left open for over a year, creating dangers for children and residents who are often unable to access their properties,” Kruger-Muller stated.
Experts from the Council for Geoscience have noted that Centurion’s dolomitic landscape makes it particularly vulnerable to sinkholes, which can undermine roadways and foundations. Their advice? Increased monitoring and the implementation of early detection systems to prevent further infrastructure damage.
“While repairs are ongoing, it is vital that the community is kept informed and that proper safety measures are in place,” said an expert from the Council for Geoscience. “A proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance will not only save costs in the long run but also prevent loss of life or property.”
The Community’s Call for Urgent Action
Residents are voicing their frustration with the delayed repairs, which are not only a safety concern but are also causing major disruptions to daily life. Many locals have had to adjust their routes due to road closures or avoid certain areas altogether. Public transport users, in particular, are facing challenges, with buses and taxis unable to access specific streets. Furthermore, water often flows into residents’ yards due to blocked stormwater drains, exacerbating the situation.
“We need the repairs to be completed as soon as possible,” said one concerned resident. “The holes in the roads are not just an eyesore; they’re a danger. There’s no telling when someone could fall into one of them, especially at night when visibility is poor.”
The Way Forward: Ensuring Safer Streets for All
While the City of Tshwane has acknowledged the issue and promised to prioritise repairs, there is still much to be done to restore safety to Centurion’s streets. The local government must ensure that roadworks are completed on time and that necessary resources are allocated to backfill trenches quickly and securely. Additionally, the ongoing sinkhole problem requires a more coordinated effort, with regular monitoring of dolomitic areas to prevent further sinkholes from forming.
For now, residents are urged to report any hazards to the City’s service delivery hotline or their local councillors. “It’s essential that the community remains vigilant and continues to report any open trenches or sinkholes immediately,” said Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.
Centurion’s streets, plagued by unfinished repairs and frequent sinkholes, present a serious safety risk to residents and motorists alike. While local authorities are aware of the issues and are working to address them, urgent action is required to prevent further infrastructure deterioration and to safeguard the well-being of the community. With enhanced communication, faster repairs, and proactive maintenance, Centurion can overcome these challenges and ensure a safer environment for all.
