By Nkhensani Chauke
The City of Johannesburg’s Public Safety MMC, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, has issued a stern warning: unauthorised drillers will face arrest, confiscation of equipment and legal consequences.
This comes after Gautrain services between Park and Rosebank stations in Johannesburg were disrupted due to illegal drilling activities.
The disruption has led to water and soil infiltration into the tunnel section of the 80-kilometer Gautrain commuter rail system.
According to Gautrain officials, the issue originated from drilling on private property above the tunnel network, impacting both underground and above-ground sections of the rail network.
“This illegal drilling caused soil and water to leak into the tunnel. Previously, suspects were arrested while drilling a borehole in Johannesburg’s Central Business District(CBD). Other suspects were apprehended after a borehole in Mayfair,” he said.
He advised residents to get the city’s approval before drilling a borehole, regardless of whether it’s on private or public property.
He further said that the City of Johannesburg will take firm stance on enforcing regulations related to underground water use and borehole.
“Before drilling can take place, a hydrogeological study must be conducted by a registered hydrogeologist, a permit must be obtained, and all relevant stakeholders including Transport, City Power, Johannesburg Water, EMS, and JMPD must be informed,” he said.
He urged for residents to seek the expertise of a licensed drilling companies, well-versed in regulations and by-laws, to ensure a compliant process.
“All those found drilling without approval will be arrested, their equipment confiscated, and they will face the full might of the law,” he said.
On Sunday, Gautrain CEO Tshepo Kgobe, Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistic, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, and Thulani Mdadane, Head of Department(HOD), visited the affected section of the rail network to assess the situation firsthand.
Diale-Tlabela has condemned the unauthorised activity as unlawful, and urged residents to adhere to due process when conducting construction or making land-use changes near critical transport infrastructure.
“We condemn the act and warn that such activities pose serious safety risks and violate the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA), which prohibits construction or drilling near critical transport infrastructure without proper authorisation,” she said.
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