Residents in Moorton, Chatsworth have raised concerns over what they describe as ‘poor workmanship’ following repairs to a burst municipal water pipe, which they claim later resulted in a sinkhole and safety risks along Module Grove.
Concerned resident Lenny Naidoo, who lives at Module Grove, said several complaints were lodged with the municipal water department about a water leak outside his driveway before the issue was eventually attended to in late December 2025.
However, Naidoo said the condition of the road deteriorated after the repair work was completed. Following recent storms and heavy rainfall, the repaired section reportedly sank, creating what residents described as a sinkhole near his driveway. A nearby stormwater manhole was also allegedly clogged, while debris was left piled up on the driveway.
“We reported the leak several times before anything was done. When the repairs were finally carried out, the work was not done properly. After the heavy rains, the road started sinking and it has become dangerous for motorists and for children who walk along this road every day,” said Naidoo.
Residents claim that since the repairs were conducted in December last year, the site was not properly restored to its original condition.
It was also alleged that during the repair work, municipal workers dug a trench to divert water from the road to the side, which later expanded due to heavy rains.
Module Grove is considered a busy throughway, and residents say motorists often struggle to pass oncoming vehicles, particularly during school hours when children are walking to and from school. They say the road damage and debris pose a safety risk.
Another resident, Dhawrigh Sukdeo, who lives adjacent to the affected site, also expressed frustration over what he described as delays by the municipality in restoring the area.
Ward 72 councillor Bob Daniel Naidoo said he was disappointed with the municipal departments responsible for the repairs.
“This road is used daily by residents and schoolchildren who walk to and from school. The current condition of the road poses a serious safety risk, and the matter needs urgent attention,” he said.
Responding to queries, Gugu Sisilana, deputy head of marketing and communications for eThekwini Municipality, said the City had inspected the site.
“eThekwini Municipality can confirm that a site inspection was conducted by the project team to investigate and verify the status of tarpatch reinstatement works at the affected location.
“The City further confirms that all tarpatch reinstatements have been successfully completed. The work has been inspected, and the site was found to be in good order and compliant with the required standards.
“The completion of these works reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining infrastructure to the required standards and ensuring that affected areas are promptly restored following maintenance activities,” she said.
