Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) expects to complete storm water infrastructure repairs at the corner of Westway and Darter roads in Douglasdale by September 4.

The site was previously excavated during Johannesburg Water repairs to a burst water pipe, leaving sections of the road reserve, pavement, and storm water infrastructure damaged. Exposed fibre cables also remain a concern.

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JRA acting head of regional operations Mpho Maruping said teams are prioritising the storm water structures before completing the remaining ancillary works.

He explained that the work is linked to a jobbing request received from Johannesburg Water and that the current phase is expected to be finished by September 4.

Safety concerns over backfilling

The reinstatement process has also raised concerns about whether excavated areas will be safely backfilled, particularly after residents, and Ward 106 councillor Chris Santana, raised concerns about exposed infrastructure and the potential for further damage.

Maruping said precautions were being taken to protect the infrastructure and prevent future subsidence. “All necessary precautions are being considered, including Johannesburg Water personnel’s presence on site.”

Also read: Recently repaired Witkoppen Road pipeline bursts again, flooding bridge in Paulshof

Santana had previously urged the authorities to complete the backfilling as soon as possible, warning that exposed infrastructure could deteriorate or become vulnerable to further damage.

Outstanding fibre repairs

Another unresolved issue is the fibre infrastructure damaged during the excavation.

Santana previously pointed to exposed fibre cables at the site and called for the affected services to be restored before the area is fully reinstated.

Also read: Delay at Witkoppen Road repair site as Johannesburg Water workers are injured

Maruping said responsibility for the fibre repairs involves both Johannesburg Water and JRA in terms of overseeing the process, while the companies that own the damaged fibre infrastructure will be responsible for carrying out the actual repairs and reinstatement.

JRA will only complete the remaining walkway reinstatement once the storm water structures and fibre lines have been repaired.

The development follows earlier concerns over co-ordination between municipal entities after City Power confirmed that a streetlighting cable had also been damaged during the water excavation.

While the latest work signals progress at Westway and Darter roads, the site will remain incomplete until the outstanding storm water, fibre, and walkway work has been addressed.

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