Johannesburg’s Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku, has issued a stern warning to anyone engaging in illegal borehole drilling without city approval, indicating that such activities will result in immediate arrests, equipment confiscations, and severe legal consequences.
This comes in response to the disruption caused by unapproved drilling activities that have recently suspended Gautrain services between Park Station and Rosebank.
The City of Johannesburg is facing increasing challenges due to illicit borehole drilling, with reports pinpointing soil and water leaks into crucial transport tunnels. These illegal activities pose a significant risk not only to the structural integrity of vital infrastructure but also disrupt essential services relied upon by residents across the city.
Tshwaku highlighted the seriousness of the situation in a public statement, emphasising the need for residents and businesses to abide by established regulatory protocols before engaging in borehole drilling.
He says the procedure is not only critical for safe groundwater extraction but also essential for protecting Johannesburg’s infrastructure.
“All those found drilling without approval will be arrested, their equipment confiscated, and they will face the full might of the law,” he said.
Recent incidents highlight the growing problem of illegal drilling in Johannesburg, where suspects operating within the city's central business district and in areas like Mayfair have already been apprehended. It is explained that these disruptions not only threaten the city’s infrastructure but also put the community's access to vital services at risk.
In a bid to safeguard Johannesburg’s underground water resources and prevent future infringements, Tshwaku reiterated the protocols that potential drillers must follow.
He stressed the necessity of conducting a hydrogeological study led by a registered hydrogeologist, with a clear mandate for obtaining a permit before any drilling activity can commence. This process must involve informed participation from key stakeholders, including Transport, City Power, Johannesburg Water, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).
In light of these developments, Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, conducted a site visit yesterday to evaluate current repair work on the affected section of the tunnel.
“Ensuring the safety of passengers remains the primary focus. While repairs are under way, a Gautrain bus replacement service has been established between Rosebank and Park Stations,” Diale-Tlabela said.
The bus service is operational every 15 minutes from 5.30am to 8.30pm, serving as a contingency plan for stranded passengers.
Diale-Tlabela emphasised that the unapproved drilling activities contravened the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA), directly leading to the ingress of water and soil into the tunnel.
This not only disrupts the operational capacity of the train system but also raises concerns about passenger safety.
Saturday Star