The Kimberley Prospector

Taxi operators have vowed to continue making use of the Bultfontein taxi rank in Kimberley, despite renewed warnings of soil erosion and cracks that were observed near the Big Hole fence and on Bultfontein Road.

TAXI operators have vowed to continue making use of the Bultfontein taxi rank in Kimberley, despite renewed warnings of soil erosion and cracks that were observed near the Big Hole fence and on Bultfontein Road.

As a precautionary measure, De Beers will construct a permanent water control wall around the danger zone next month.

Sol Plaatje Municipality has meanwhile advised taxi associations to start vacating the area from next week.

Taxi drivers indicated that they would only relocate on condition that they were provided with an alternative venue near the Big Hole.

“The taxi rank at the Indian centre is too far, overcrowded and is not conducive to loading passengers. We are spending too much on fuel to travel to the Indian centre and it is not a central venue,” they said.

The operators believe that the Bultfontein taxi rank does not pose any imminent danger.

“We were informed that the Stockdale section, where the Hawks offices are situated, was red-flagged as a major danger. No alternative taxi rank has been identified yet, so until then we will remain where we are.”

Hawks provincial spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Tebogo Thebe said they no longer occupied the building in Stockdale Street due to “office space needs” and not due to any safety concerns.

“The building belongs to De Beers. We have relocated to another premises in Stockdale Street,” said Thebe.

The CEO of the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci), Sharon Steyn, was aggrieved that they were not included in any consultations.

“Businesses situated near the Big Hole are unable to relocate because it requires a huge capital layout and they will not be able to be compensated as the area is perceived to be unsafe. Insurance companies are also refusing to pay out any claims,” said Steyn.

She believed that the soil around the perimeter of the Big Hole should be stabilised.

Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi said taxis were expected to start relocating by next week.

“Affected taxi associations are expected to move in line with a safety plan to a demarcated safe zone, away from the imminent danger area around Bultfontein Road. The safety plan was handed over to the associations on Wednesday,” said Mothibi.

He added that while taxi associations were opposed to utilising the Indian centre, the municipality had acted swiftly to accommodate them and had heavily invested in restoring the electrical and water supply.

“As part of the ablution facilities revamp, we installed a new roof, ceiling, lighting, toilet seats and much more in November 2023.”

Mothibi stated that the municipality would assist in safeguarding the safety and well-being of residents based on reports received from De Beers.

“Emanating from the November 2023 discussions with the taxi associations, we agreed on the establishment of a team led by the municipality in identifying a land parcel for the construction of a transport hub. This further involves the provincial departments of Roads and Public Works, Coghsta and Transport, Safety and Liaison. Announcements will be made in the future.”

De Beers vice president of communications Jackie Mapiloko said cracks and accelerated ground movement were detected around the Big Hole pit area adjacent to Bultfontein Road in late 2023 and early 2024.

“As a proactive precautionary measure, geo-technical specialists recommended that Bultfontein Road remain closed and that a permanent concrete wall and earth berm be erected to prevent potential safety incidents. This will form part of critical measures necessary to mitigate, as far as reasonably practicable, the risks to the safety of community members, visitors, pedestrians and businesses, especially ahead of the upcoming rainy season,” said Mapiloko.

She added that the construction of the permanent water control infrastructure would be executed in a phased approach, beginning with the construction of an earth berm in August on the north-eastern side of the perimeter fence adjacent to Bultfontein Road.

“The earth berm will be located inside the existing perimeter fence and will extend approximately 120 metres in length. The final permanent water control wall will be constructed in the next phase of the project and will be approximately 430 metres long. De Beers is hoping that the earth berm and concrete wall will stabilise erosion and prevent the exacerbation of the erosion by channelling water into the pit.”

Mapiloko added that De Beers was working closely with Sol Plaatje Municipality to ensure the construction site was fully barricaded and that the necessary safety standards were adhered to.

“Since 2008, De Beers has been engaging with Sol Plaatje Municipality and local businesses concerning the risks associated with the break-back of the Big Hole pit.

“De Beers remains committed to the safety of the residents of Kimberley and will continue to provide updates as the project progresses,” she concluded.

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