Residents in sections of Ward 115 may soon see relief as the long-running sewer infrastructure project, replacing the damaged rising main, moves closer to completion.
According to councillor Mark van der Merwe, the project is currently about 68% complete, with only a small section of pipework still to be installed before restoration work begins. “There is a small section of pipe work remaining, and then the restoration of the sidewalks and repair of any roadway damage caused during the year-long process.”
The project involves replacing a critical rising main that collapsed about 18 months ago.
Read more: Sewer burst causes Randa Road circle to collapse
The pipeline carries sewage from the Jukskeipark pump station to the Zandspruit pump station, on its way to the Diepsloot Waste Water Works. Van der Merwe said he recently visited the site and witnessed the scale of the work being carried out. “The area has been under huge construction and disruption due to massive excavations and ongoing issues. The excavations are 5m deep and cover an area of over 2.6km.”
He acknowledged that the project has been frustrating for residents, particularly those living in Craigavon, where roads have been significantly affected. “I absolutely understand and agree with [their frustration], but the best efforts to resolve and repair in the quickest time were always achieved by the contractor. Even when the contractor was not to blame, they stepped in and assured, on behalf of Johannesburg Water.”
Before the repairs began, the collapsed rising main caused major sewer-related problems across the ward. These included overflowing sewer infrastructure, frequent blockages, and sewage flowing into the Klein Jukskei River.
The councillor said the project has also been particularly disruptive because the construction is taking place along key routes. “Campbell Road and Inchanga Road are the one and only entrance and exit into Craigavon, which has caused major disruption for residents.”
Also read: Randa Road damage exposes deeper storm water failures
While the initial completion date was set for April 25, Van der Merwe believes it may take longer for the project to be fully finalised. “I am not an engineer and not a project manager, but, in my estimation, it would be unlikely that all parts of the project will be completed by that date, including residents signing off that the area has been restored to how it was before.” However, he added that Johannesburg Water still needs the project finished before the end of the financial year in June 2026.
Despite the delays, Van der Merwe believes the upgraded infrastructure will ultimately benefit the community. “This is, unfortunately, the pain one has to go through to have upgraded infrastructure.”
Dada Morero, Mayor of the city, praised the project on his socials. “The project exemplifies our strong commitment to community empowerment by prioritising the employment of local residents and SMMEs.”
Johannesburg Water’s Nolwazi Dhlamini acknowledged the receipt of our media query, but no reply was received by the time of publication.
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