Two years after a water leak was first reported outside Bryan Brook Estate on Witkoppen Road, residents say they have lost all confidence in the city’s ability to resolve the crisis.
What was once a nuisance has now become a painful reminder of tragedy.
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Mike Msophi, a resident of Ginger Park informal settlement, recalled a devastating incident last April when a four-year-old boy drowned after falling into an uncovered Johannesburg Water (JW) excavation.
“That hole was left open, and we lost a child because of it. Now, right across the road, another excavation has been left open for three months, and this time, water has been leaking there for two years. It is like no one has learnt a lesson.”
Despite multiple site visits and back-and-forth claims between JW, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, no authority has taken responsibility. While JW insists the water is groundwater and has referred the matter to JRA, residents and motorists remain unconvinced.
Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy said the situation highlights a major disconnect between the entities.
“They keep shifting blame, but meanwhile, the water continues to destroy the road surface, create potholes, and pose real risks to the community. The city is failing its people.”
For residents of Paulshof, the leaking site has turned into a hazard on one of the busiest routes in the area, causing congestion and dangerous driving conditions.
Also read: Boy’s death haunts community as Bryan Brook Water leak drags on
Nolwazi Shabalala, JW spokesperson, said: “JW’s depot team conducted an assessment on the site and found that there is no leak coming from our water infrastructure. The water is, instead, coming from the sleeve. The team conducted a water test, and the results indicated that it is groundwater. It has therefore been escalated to JRA.”
Fourways Review reached out to JRA for comment on September 2. Bertha Scheepers, spokesperson for JRA, said: “We will investigate and revert.” No further information was received before going to print, but it will be provided once it becomes available.
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