The Sol Plaatje Municipality closed a part of Bultfontein Road in Kimberley after De Beers alerted them to the possibility that one side of the Big Hole pit might fail.
Taxis who used a part of this particular road to wait in line for the nearby taxi rank, has been moved to the Indian Centre.
Innocent Mabusela, De Beers spokesperson, says the Big Hole pit has a natural tendency to breakback.
“As part of routine monitoring, De Beers Group has observed ground movement which may indicate that a possible failure of the pit next to Bultfontein Road may occur soon.
“Following engagements with the Sol Plaatje Municipality and the taxi associations, we welcome the precautionary closure of Bultfontein Road by the municipality and the relocation of taxis due to public safety concerns. With the taxis having moved, it has given us an opportunity to continue our research work on the ground movement observed inside the perimeter fence of the Big Hole pit next to Bultfontein Road.” Mabusela said the investigation is still in progress, and feedback will be provided in due course.
“Over the past three weeks a concerted effort has been made to inform the people of Kimberley about the potential risks associated with the Big Hole. Members of the community, visitors and businesses are requested not to use the closed road, including pedestrians, considering the public safety concerns.”
Sharon Steyn, CEO of the Northern Cape Business Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci), says 15 years ago when the road was partially closed some businesses went bankrupt. “This time we were not alerted beforehand. We need to know the full extent of the problem, and if more roads such as South Circular will be closed in future.
“If there are rehabilitation plans, we need to be informed about it too. I am also worried about the effect of the underground tunnels on the stability of the terrain.”
