ILLEGAL sand mining is putting an important kasi road at risk of collapse.
Residents of Philippi, Cape Town, said they were worried about Govan Mbeki Road as people were digging sand from an island opposite Block 6 squatter camp.
Residents said people dug at night and trucks were loaded with sand while most of them were still asleep.
Resident Nomzamo Tyali (37) said when the rainy season came, ponds would form where they had been digging.
“Our kids will play there and risk drowning. We wish the police would stop what is happening right now. These people are digging the graves of our children before our eyes,” she said.
Motorist Naison Zambe (51) said: “They must do something soon before it’s too late.
“If the road collapses, it will cause unnecessary deaths.”
Transport MMC Rob Quintas said: “We investigated and can confirm that illegal sand mining has taken place. However, at this stage, there’s no visible structural risk to the pavement structure. Still, it could pose a threat in the future.”
Quintas said the problem of sand mining was widespread and difficult to control.
“Unfortunately, we can’t manage, control or monitor these activities, which happen all over the area.
“We can only act once the incident is reported to us,” he said.
Quintas said the section of road was meant to have a MyCiTi service roll-out in 2024.
“Thus, we appeal to residents to please report this to the police.”
