Active Sinkholes Threaten Homes in Lyttelton, Centurion
Centurion - In the peaceful suburb of Lyttelton, Centurion, where families enjoy quiet streets and green spaces, a hidden danger lurks beneath the ground, putting lives and properties at risk. Active sinkholes, caused by aging water pipes and underground leaks, have become a nightmare for residents, with calls growing loud for the area to be declared a disaster zone. A local ward candidate has led the charge, urging officials to act fast as homes teeter on the edge of collapse. This ongoing crisis, which has worsened over 2025, shows how neglected infrastructure can turn safe neighbourhoods into hazard zones, leaving people worried about their safety and future. For homeowners like those in Lyttelton, it is a daily fear that a crack in the yard could swallow everything they have built, highlighting the urgent need for repairs in a city grappling with budget shortfalls and old systems.
The trouble hit hard in May 2025 when a massive sinkhole opened up at the corner of Burger Avenue and Langebrink Road in Lyttelton Manor, cutting off about 30 households from the rest of the suburb. This gaping hole, formed after water leaks eroded the soil underneath, forced families to find other ways around, disrupting daily routines like getting to work or school.Residents described the shock of seeing the ground give way, with fears that their own homes could be next if the problem spreads.
This was not a one-off—over 66 active sinkholes now threaten the area, turning what was once a desirable spot into a place of anxiety.In July 2025, another sinkhole appeared in Jade Avenue, Lyttelton, after tree roots grew through an old asbestos water pipe, causing an underground leak that weakened the soil.These events have left cracks in roads and yards, with some homes tilting or showing signs of instability.For families, it means living with the constant worry that the earth could open up at any time, especially after heavy rains that make things worse.
At the heart of this crisis lie old water pipes, many made of asbestos and dating back decades, which crack and leak, washing away soil and creating voids underground. Tree roots seeking water often grow into these pipes, speeding up the damage and leading to collapses like the ones in Lyttelton.The City of Tshwane, responsible for maintenance, faces budget shortfalls that slow down repairs, leaving pipes to deteriorate further. Officials have warned that without more funds, the sinkhole threat will only grow, affecting more homes and roads.
Centurion’s geology plays a part too, with dolomite rock beneath the surface that dissolves over time, forming cavities prone to sinkholes.Combined with leaking infrastructure, this creates a perfect storm, as seen in over 60 reported sinkholes in the area. Residents point to neglected maintenance, saying the city knew about the risks but acted too slowly, leading to calls for urgent fixes like pipe replacements and better monitoring.
A local ward candidate has become a voice for the affected, pushing for Centurion to be declared a disaster area to unlock emergency funds for repairs.This status would allow quicker action, like hiring experts to fill sinkholes and upgrade pipes, preventing more collapses.The candidate argues that with so many active threats, normal budgets are not enough, and lives are at stake if nothing changes.Community meetings have echoed this, with residents sharing fears of losing homes or facing evacuation if sinkholes spread.
This push follows similar pleas in July 2025, when the VF Plus party called for the same after the Jade Avenue incident. They highlighted how tree roots and leaks combine to create dangers, urging the city to act before more families suffer.For now, geological services check sites like Selborne Avenue, where updates show ongoing monitoring to keep people safe.
Videos from residents show the scale, with holes big enough to swallow cars, and calls for help grow louder. In a map shared online, red dots mark sinkholes south of Pretoria, painting a picture of widespread risk For these folks, it is not just about fixing holes— it is about restoring peace in their homes
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City Response and Calls for Long-Term Fixes
A disaster declaration could bring national help, speeding up repairs and providing aid to affected families.Until then, locals push for awareness, sharing tips like avoiding heavy planting near pipes to stop root damage.As Centurion grows, balancing development with safe infrastructure is key to avoiding more crises.
What Residents Can Do: Staying Safe Amid the Threat
For those in sinkhole-prone areas, watch for signs like cracks in walls or dipping ground, and report to the city right away. Insurance might cover damage, but prevention is better—regular checks on pipes and avoiding water waste help. Community groups offer support, sharing info on risks and pushing for fixes.By staying vigilant, residents can protect their homes while waiting for broader solutions.
This crisis in Lyttelton serves as a wake-up call for all suburbs with old pipes, urging action before more lives are upended.
![The front wheel of a fire truck is stuck in a sinkhole on a road in Daejeon on Dec. 20. The sinkhole was reported to be 80 centimeters (2 feet, 7 inches) deep. No one was hurt in the accident. [DAEJEON METROPOLITAN POLICE AGENCY]](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2025/12/20/c50b57ef-1094-443d-a5a4-a89cda9bd38d.jpg)
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