The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) made several calls to the Tshwane Metro’s Department of Water and Sanitation to bring to its attention a large hole at the corner of Hartbeesspruit and Richard Streets in Hatfield, but to no avail.
The Tshwane Metro has been doing repairs on the main water pipeline since 2024. The pipe was replaced in 2025, but water leaks have continued to occur and the hole has not been properly filled. It is washed open every time it rains.
This part of Hatfield is close to the University of Pretoria, so, many students live and move around in the area.
The hole exposes a main water pipeline and extends into the roadway. It is so large that a bus could fall into it and two vehicles cannot safely pass each other on the road. Buses transporting students to the E.C. de Villiers sports grounds must turn in this street, which is also used by many student pedestrians.
The hazard is exacerbated by the fact that the hole partially extends into the roadway and no barriers or warning signs have been erected, despite a request by the Freedom Front Plus earlier this month.
The Freedom Front Plus is urgently calling on the Metro to immediately put up safety fencing and warning signs and to properly fill the hole.
The matter may not be put off until a tragedy, such as the one outside Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Hatfield, occurs.
The Tshwane Metro is directly responsible for safeguarding the lives of residents and students.
Every day that this hole remains open increases the risk of serious, or even fatal, accidents.
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