Johannesburg Water said delays in permanently repairing a persistent underground leak affecting the Bogoria complex in Paulshof are linked to approval processes and the sourcing of specialised materials.

The utility was responding to concerns raised by residents, and Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy, over ongoing seepage, structural damage, and security risks following excavation work carried out earlier this year.

According to spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala certain repairs require specialised materials that are not always readily available at Johannesburg Water stores.

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“In such instances, the work is outsourced to an appointed service provider to source the required materials and submit a quotation for approval.

Once the quotation has been received and processed, the repair process can proceed accordingly.”

Reddy alleged that the leak has continued since January this year, despite excavation work being undertaken to access the damaged underground pipe.

During the process, a boundary wall between the Bogoria complex and St Alphens Place was removed, leaving properties exposed and raising security concerns among residents.

Shabalala confirmed that the matter relating to the damaged boundary wall has now been escalated to the utility’s insurance section for further handling.

She also confirmed that a proposed re-sleeving process, which would involve installing an inner lining into the affected pipe, still requires approval from regional management once quotations from service providers have been submitted.

Residents, and the councillor, said the delays are becoming increasingly frustrating as water continues seeping beneath the property. During a recent site visit, Reddy pointed to visible cracks along a garage wall, which residents believe may have been caused after excavation work allegedly undermined the structure’s foundations.

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“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.”

Walking along the affected boundary line, Reddy said the ground remains heavily saturated. “You can actually feel it under your feet. The grass is bouncing because the ground is saturated.”

While residents fear the ongoing seepage could compromise nearby driveways, walls, and foundations, Johannesburg Water maintains that current assessments do not indicate a risk to surrounding infrastructure.

“The leak is not located in proximity to residential structures. Based on current assessments, the seepage is not believed to pose a risk to surrounding infrastructure or house foundations,” said Shabalala.

Reddy has called on Johannesburg Water senior management to urgently fast-track the repairs before further damage occurs.

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