- The surge in holes caused by illegal sand mining in Khayelitsha is a major concern for local residents in Ward 93.
- Local ward councillor Thando Pimpi described the situation as dangerous not only for motorists but for residents as well.
- The illegal miners dig until they reach the underground sewage system.
Is that a pothole or a trench? That is probably a frequent question among drivers in and around Khayelitsha. This is as holes caused by illegal sand mining continue to surge, especially in Ward 93.
Local ward councillor Thando Pimpi described the situation as dangerous not only for motorists but for residents as well.
In an interview with City Vision, Pimpi implored the culprits to be mindful of the risk posed by their actions. He highlighted several areas, including Spine Road (not too far from Embengweni vendors in Town Two) and along Japhta Masemola Road opposite Greenpoint informal settlement. “Most of the time you find these deep holes closer to informal areas. The hole that is along Spine Road was caused by residents from the Qanduqandu informal settlement. I’ve seen them several times digging there and I’ve reprimanded them but they don’t listen. The worst part is they dig until they reach the underground system and wires,” said Pimpi.
He warned motorists to be cautious when driving on Japhta Masemola along the I Section until Bonga Drive.
“Usually they do that during winter seasons when there is flooding. They dig the sand to raise the floors for their shacks. Others dig the sand to plaster their houses,” explained Pimpi, adding that in most cases culprits hire amaphara to dig the sand.
According to Pimpi, the challenge has been raised at public meetings, yet it continues unabated.
While this puts motorists in harm’s way, it also threatens children’s lives, said Pimpi, making a reference to an incident in Nyanga more than two years ago, where children sank into a manhole reportedly caused by illegal sand harvesting.
He stated that he reported the matter to the City of Cape Town, however, there was no action.
A resident from Qanduqandu informal settlement near Greenpoint Sanele Maxhayi confirmed that he had seen people digging sand. However, he sided with them citing that people don’t have money to buy sand at hardware. “What are we supposed to do? This is a nearby place and is an open space. We don’t have money to hire trucks to get sand for us or buy it from hardware,” he said. But, he blamed them for digging till they reached the underground sewage system.