This is where a sand collapse nearly claimed the life of a five-year-old girl while she was visiting her aunt in Wetland, Khayelitsha. Residents say their quick response made the difference between life and death.
Image: siyavuya khaya
A five-year-old girl narrowly escaped being buried alive when the ground suddenly collapsed in Wetland, Khayelitsha, prompting a frantic rescue by residents who dug her out with their bare hands and spades.
Residents said the child had been visiting her aunt when the ground gave way, swallowing her into the sand.
Neighbours rushed to the scene and residents worked together to reach the little girl.
Lulama Jodo, a local resident who witnessed the rescue, said the community acted immediately.
"She was completely covered by sand. Residents used spades and even their hands to dig her out. After some time, we finally reached her, and she opened one eye. If it wasn't for the quick reaction of the residents, we would be talking a different language today. This piece of land has collapsed before. There used to be a section of asphalt here, and it also sank."
Residents gathered at the scene, watching as the dangerous sinkhole was barricaded after the dramatic rescue of the five-year-old girl.
Image: siyavuya khaya
According to the City, the affected informal settlement is built directly above a major bulk sewer pipeline that has experienced several collapses over the years.
Mayoral committee member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, said the location of informal structures has made it increasingly difficult to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure.
"This particular informal settlement is on top of a large bulk sewer pipeline. There have been a number of sewer collapses along this stretch before. Unfortunately, we expect more collapses in the future because of the structures that have been built above the pipeline," he said.
Badroodien said municipal teams have previously repaired collapses along the pipeline, but access remains a significant challenge.
"It is impossible for the City to properly upgrade or maintain this infrastructure because access is limited by the structures built on top of the pipeline."
He said the City has been engaging with affected residents about relocating to safer areas where space is available.
"We have requested that residents relocate their homes to alternative areas. Unfortunately, this is a lengthy process and has not yet resulted in meaningful relocation that would allow our operational teams and contractors to access the infrastructure more effectively," he said.
Badroodien added that the City would continue engaging with residents about the risks of living above the pipeline while working towards a long-term solution.
Cape Times