Sinkholes threaten lives and health in Khutsong, forcing clinic closures. Sinkholes threaten lives and health in Khutsong, forcing clinic closures.
Image: Picture: Supplied
As gaping sinkholes swallow parts of Khutsong, residents fear for their homes and health. With local clinics compromised, they’ve been urged to seek medical help elsewhere.
This follows the Gauteng Department of Health’s (GDoH) announcement of the indefinite closure of Khutsong West Clinic, effective May 1, after a growing sinkhole threat rendered the facility structurally unsafe.
Despite the closure, GDoH spokesperson Motalatale Modiba assured residents that ward-based primary healthcare outreach teams will continue operating in the area, aiming to cushion the blow of disrupted services.
“This decision follows ongoing geotechnical challenges caused by active sinkhole activity in the Khutsong West area, which poses serious safety risks for both healthcare users and staff members. The safety and well-being of the community and employees remain the department’s high priority.
“Patients who previously accessed services at Khutsong West Clinic are advised to visit any of the following nearby facilities for uninterrupted primary healthcare services, which are mainly within a 6km radius of Khutsong West Clinic: Khutsong Community Health Centre, Khutsong South clinic, Khutsong Extension 3 clinic, Khutsong East clinic, Welverdiend clinic.”
Modiba further stated that, to ensure seamless continuity of care, patients should bring a valid form of identification, such as an ID, passport, or driver’s licence, and inform staff at the alternative clinic that they are former patients of Khutsong West Clinic. This will help healthcare workers access their medical records and ensure proper follow-up treatment.
He added that Primary Health Care Outreach Teams will remain active in the Khutsong West area to ensure continued access to services for residents who may struggle to reach alternative health facilities.
“In addition, the Ward-Based Primary Health Care Outreach Teams will continue to operate and provide services in the Khutsong West area to reach those who may have difficulties accessing alternative facilities. The current staff at Khutsong West Clinic will be reassigned to the nearby health facilities,” Modiba said.
The Star previously reported that R12 million had been allocated to address the life-threatening sinkholes in Khutsong — yet, to date, no visible progress has been made.
Moiketsi Ntilane, councillor for Merafong Agents of Change, previously criticised the slow pace of efforts to address the sinkholes. He also raised concerns about alleged mismanagement of funds, claiming that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) allocated R5 million for the rehabilitation of the centre, money that was spent, yet no work has been done.
Ntilane further stated that an additional R7 million was recently allocated to the same sinkhole during the special council meeting at Merafong local municipality on February 26.
“COGTA allocated around R5 million for the rehabilitation of the centre, but the money was spent with no work done. Now, an additional R7 million has been allocated to the same sinkhole—one wonders what is going on,” he said.
Ntilane also highlighted that one of the sinkholes is located next to a primary school, posing further dangers to the students, as there is no fencing to prevent them from accessing the sinkhole.
“The sinkhole is right next to Hlanganani Primary School, and kids are kids, there’s no fencing stopping children from going there, and the money that's been allocated seems to be disappearing,” he added.
ActionSA has also criticised the apparent mismanagement of funds and warned the Gauteng Provincial Government that failure to act on the ongoing crisis in Khutsong will leave them with no choice but to escalate the matter to the Gauteng Legislature, Parliament, and, if necessary, the courts. The party emphasised that this is not just a service delivery issue, but a matter of protecting lives, dignity, and constitutional rights.
The party expressed support for Khutsong residents who are seeking legal avenues to hold the government accountable.
“Now, after eight years of broken promises, the people of Khutsong are rightly seeking legal representation to take the government to court. It’s reported that environmental activist Jeremiah Ramokgoatedi and other community leaders have already written to the Office of the President, calling for the area to be declared a national disaster zone. ActionSA supports this legal and civic action without reservation.”
Speaking to The Star, Theo Nkonki, spokesperson for Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, confirmed that the department had indeed allocated R5 million to the Merafong Local Municipality through a conditional grant transfer.
“The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) allocated R5 million to the Merafong Local Municipality through a conditional grant transfer. The funds were earmarked as follows: R3.5 million for the rehabilitation of the sinkhole at Hlanganani Primary School, and R1.5 million for the completion of additional work under the Khutsong North Water and Sewer Stage 4 project.”
He added that the Project Steering Committee (PSC), established by CoGTA, was tasked with overseeing implementation and monitoring the use of funds. According to the municipality, work at Hlanganani Primary School has been completed, while the Khutsong North Water and Sewer Stage 4 project is still underway.
He also said that the R3.5 million allocated to the Hlanganani Primary School project was primarily used for a Dolomite Stability and Geotechnical Investigation — a crucial step in guiding and informing the rehabilitation process.
Nkonki further stated that while the municipality submitted a portfolio of evidence (PoE) for the rehabilitation project, the department has requested additional clarity and is awaiting a detailed response.
“The municipality has submitted a portfolio of evidence (PoE) relating to the rehabilitation project, which CoGTA has reviewed to verify compliance with grant conditions and expected deliverables. Preliminary findings have been communicated to the municipality, which has been requested to respond and provide additional clarity. The department is awaiting a formal response to finalise its assessment,” he added.
When asked what steps CoGTA has taken to investigate allegations that the funds were spent without any visible work being done, Nkonki said the department is currently awaiting a formal response from the municipality to address the concerns.
“CoGTA has formally engaged the municipality regarding the deficiencies and gaps identified in the initial report. The department is currently awaiting a formal response from the municipality. Any further action will be determined based on the content and adequacy of the municipality’s response, and whether it satisfactorily addresses the issues raised,” Nkonki concluded.
The Star
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