Joburg Water has finally repaired a major leak and excavation site on Pritchard Street, bringing relief to frustrated Fourways residents after 18 months of damage and disruption.
The leak, which went unattended for more than a year, saw water flowing onto Witkoppen Road, creating potholes, eroding the road surface, and posing hazards for motorists and pedestrians.
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Joburg Water spokesperson Puleng Mopeli explained that the fault lay with a damaged 350mm asbestos-cement (AC) pipe that required specialised materials.
“The sourcing process was complex and took longer than expected, but the repair was prioritised. We recognise the seriousness of the leak and the risks it posed, which is why the team worked to resolve it as quickly as possible,” she said.
On the same day, Joburg Water also repaired a burst pipe further along Pritchard Street that had been leaking for a month and flooding homes on the street below. Residents endured weeks of water seeping into their properties, with some homes flooded for three weeks.
Ward 115 councillor Mark van der Merwe, who has consistently raised concerns about the leaks, confirmed that both repairs have now been completed. While welcoming the action, he stressed that residents had suffered unnecessary delays.
“People have had to live with water streaming down the street, crumbling roads, and even flooded homes. This should never have taken so long.”
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