The ongoing Johannesburg Water repair operation on Witkoppen Road took another dramatic turn on July 10, when a high-pressure pipe burst during emergency work, allegedly injuring two Johannesburg Water employees and further delaying the reopening of the busy road.

Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy alleged that the two Johannesburg Water workers were injured while the team was attempting to tighten bolts on the damaged pipeline. “During attempts to tighten bolts on a pipe, the pipe unfortunately burst. Johannesburg Water and their contractors are currently on site working to stabilise the situation. They have indicated that the burst was caused by increased pressure within the line.

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“I’ve spoken to Johannesburg Water’s operations manager. The pressure broke through the bolts, resulting in two staff members being injured. One gentleman suffered cuts to his forehead while another sustained bruises to his body. They were taken to Sunninghill Hospital, treated and have since been discharged. Both are expected to make a full recovery.”

The burst has also created additional safety concerns at the site. Reddy warned that the traffic island had collapsed into the excavation and a light pole had fallen across the water-filled trench.
He added that water is pooling onto Witkoppen Road near the Braamfontein Spruit bridge, urging motorists to drive with extreme caution while travelling through the area.

The affected section of Witkoppen Road, between Achter Road and Milcliff Drive in Paulshof, has remained closed after Johannesburg Water confirmed the discovery of a second leak near the site where a three-month-old water leak had recently been repaired.

Also read: Johannesburg Water declares Dainfern tap water safe to drink following contamination scare

Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala previously confirmed to Fourways Review that a second leak had been identified near the original repair site after monitoring revealed water continuing to collect in the excavation. She said the leak is located on a bend in the pipeline encased in concrete, requiring extensive excavation before repairs can be completed.

Fourways Review reached out to Johannesburg Water to confirm the alleged injuries sustained by two of its employees during the pipe burst. No comment was received by the time of publication. More information will be provided once becomes available.

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