Johannesburg could incur an estimated R262 million bill to repair five roads damaged by illegal mining, with underground excavations also threatening bridges, electricity infrastructure and other municipal services.
The City of Johannesburg says illegal mining around historical mining areas and abandoned mine sites is undermining the structural stability of roads, bridges, stormwater systems, electricity networks, water pipelines and sewer infrastructure.
Investigations by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) found underground voids reaching depths of up to 22 metres beneath the road surface along John and Webber streets in Booysens. A void of about 17 metres was also identified beneath Wemmerpan Road in Turffontein.
In Roodepoort, sinkholes between six and eight metres deep have affected Nick Toomey Boulevard, Mijn Street and Alpha Street in Witpoortjie.
City spokesperson, Nthatisi Modingoane, said the closure of affected roads was creating problems for residents, businesses and emergency services by limiting access to essential services and key routes.
The City estimates it will need R262 million to reinstate five roads affected by illegal mining fully.
The damage is also affecting major transport infrastructure. Preliminary assessments of sections of the M1 and M2 bridge structures have placed repairs to abutments and parapet walls at almost R23 million, although further investigations are needed to determine the full rehabilitation cost.
City Power has also raised concerns about underground mining near electricity infrastructure in Robertville, Roodepoort and along the Main Reef corridor.
According to City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, underground excavations have weakened the ground around substations, transformers, pylons and transmission towers, with some infrastructure already showing signs of sinking.
The City said it does not yet have consolidated figures showing the full financial impact of illegal mining across Johannesburg over the past three years.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has described illegal mining as a serious problem affecting communities, legitimate mining operations, public infrastructure and the environment.
The department said government agencies are working with law enforcement through operations including Vala Umgodi and Operation Prosper to disrupt illegal mining activities.
The infrastructure damage comes as Johannesburg continues to deal with the wider impact of illegal mining, including road closures, sinkholes, environmental risks and safety concerns in communities near abandoned mine workings.
