A cracked garage wall, soaked ground, and a missing boundary fence has left a resident living in fear as a long-running water leak continues to plague a Bogoria Complex in Paulshof.

Standing beside the damaged property during a site visit, Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy pointed to deep cracks running along a garage wall after excavation work to access a leaking pipe allegedly undermined the structure’s foundations. “The resident living here says she no longer feels comfortable using her garage after cracks began appearing in the structure. On top of that, the removal of the boundary wall has left the property exposed, creating serious security concerns for residents.”

Read more: JW updates meter-reading schedule

The wall, between Bogoria Complex and St Alphens Place, was removed while contractors attempted to reach a leaking underground pipe. According to Reddy, the excavator dug beneath the area, allegedly destabilising the garage foundation in the process. While residents initially hoped the repairs would be temporary, months later the leak continues to flow beneath the property.

Walking along the boundary line, Reddy described how water can still be seen streaming underneath the soaked ground. “You can actually feel it under your feet. The grass is bouncing because the ground is saturated with water.”

He warned that the ongoing seepage is not only damaging the landscape but also threatening nearby driveways and foundations, in what he described as an extremely well-maintained complex.
Residents are now waiting for Johannesburg Water to approve a re-sleeving project, which would involve inserting an inner lining into the damaged pipe, instead of digging up the entire area.

The proposed work would stretch from the entrance of St Alphens Place, on Wroxham Road, to the far end of the property boundary. However, Reddy said the process has become bogged down in approvals and budgeting delays. “In March, we were told it would take a few days because it fell within their budget. Now we’re being told the costs are higher than anticipated and approvals are still pending.”

Also read: JW repairs Mulbarton and Riverside roads leaks

He has called on Johannesburg Water senior management to urgently fast-track the project before more damage is caused. Reddy said residents have endured the issue since January, adding that Johannesburg Water had allegedly known about leaks in the area long before then. “At what point do people have enough? Do residents need to start marching to Johannesburg Water headquarters before action is taken, or can the entity simply do what it’s supposed to do?”

Johannesburg Water’s Nombuso Shabalala acknowledged questions sent to the water utility. In their reply they said the process is subject to review and approval by regional management, once the quotation has been received.

They also mentioned that the boundary wall damage has been escalated to the insurance section for further handling, and that, based on current assessment, the seepage is not believed to pose risk to infrastructure or house foundations.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!