Residents in parts of Edenburg, Paulshof, and parts of Rivonia and surrounding areas may soon see relief as contractors carry out yet another repair on a problematic bulk water pipeline that has caused repeated disruptions over the past few weeks.

The repair work is currently taking place on Achter Road in Paulshof.

Nduduzo Nkabinde, contracts manager at Planet Tech Construction (Johannesburg Water subcontractors), confirmed that teams are currently conducting a point repair on a damaged 400mm steel bulk supply line.

Read more: Water restored after Bowling Road pipe burst, some Rivonia taps still run dry

The pipe, which had been leaking, serves as a key source supplying water from Rivonia towards the northern suburbs, including areas such as Kyalami.

“A point repair means we are fixing a specific damaged section of the pipe rather than replacing the entire line. In this case, there is a hole in the steel pipe, so we are welding it and reinforcing the section with a metallic clamp to prevent further leaks.”

The repair process, however, has not been straightforward. Nkabinde said delays were largely due to the complexity of shutting off the water supply from the reservoir, which is necessary before any work can begin.

“To carry out this repair, the reservoir needs to be closed. We had to wait for the right conditions, especially since other projects affecting the same system were also underway.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Nduduzo Nkabinde from Planet Tech Construction explains the work they are doing on Achter Road in Paulshof, with Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy on site to give updates to the residents. Video: Ditiro Masuku #Fourways #Ward93 #Paulshof ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Excavation work carried out ahead of the repair revealed further complications. Teams had initially hoped to locate pipe joints within a standard six-metre range, but discovered that the older pipeline system uses adhesive joints with longer spacing, making it harder to pinpoint and replace sections.

Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy, who has been hard at work escalating these issues, said the residents are impacted by these disruptions, although mostly kept under 24 hours, and remain highly disruptive.

Also read: Residents call for pipe replacement amid persistent leaks

“When supply is cut, it affects residents across Woodmead, Gallo Manor, Sunninghill, Rivonia, and Morningside. Even short interruptions have a negative impact on quality of life.”

This marks the fourth repair attempt in three weeks, after previous fixes failed to fully resolve the leak. The initial repair, conducted at the end of February, saw the pipe begin leaking again shortly afterwards.

Despite the ongoing work, residents currently still have water due to an alternative supply system in place. The timing of the current repair coincides with an emergency closure of the Bryanston reservoir, which officials say presents an opportunity to complete the work with minimal additional disruption.

Johannesburg Water has confirmed in a notice to residents posted on their social media that updates on the repair work will be communicated, as the estimated time for full restoration has not yet been determined.

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