GQEBERHA – Motorists have been urged to use alternative routes after a burst water main caused a road collapse at the intersection of Martin Road and William Moffett in Gqeberha on Friday morning.

The intersection was officially closed after the road collapsed, with traffic officers, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the municipality’s waterworks team attending the scene.

Ward 6 councillor Gert Engelbrecht said the incident began at about 06:00 when a main water line running beneath the road burst.

“There is a main water line running there and the mainline burst at about 06:00 in the morning. It started off as slow and the entire road collapsed, forcing me to close off the road,” Engelbrecht said.

He said SAPS assisted him at the scene before municipal officials arrived shortly after 08:00.

“The repairs are currently underway and the municipality handed it to the contractor and the contractors are still busy.”

Engelbrecht said the expected completion time would depend on the services running beneath the road. Repairs were expected to be completed by late on Friday or Saturday, 17 October.

The collapse has created a road hazard for motorists, particularly because the affected section is covered by water, making the hole difficult to see.

He cautioned motorists against attempting to drive through the affected intersection.

Engelbrecht urged road users to remain patient, prioritise their safety and use alternative routes while the road remained closed.

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