Johannesburg Water and City Power clash over repair delays in Marquise Place
Residents of Marquise Place in Jukskei Park are still battling flooding and power outages, while Johannesburg Water blames ageing infrastructure, and City Power says repair delays depend on water issues being resolved first.
Residents of Marquise Place in Jukskei Park continue to endure repeated water leaks and electrical outages following a series of infrastructure failures and ongoing repair challenges.
The situation escalated after a water pipe burst in May, causing flooding, property damage, and multiple power outages due to damage to underground cables. Despite efforts by Johannesburg Water and City Power, the issues remain unresolved, leaving residents frustrated and living in unsafe conditions.
Resident Michaela Newey described her ordeal, highlighting the recurring flooding, property damage, and persistent power outages. She expressed her frustration over the slow response and the ongoing risk to her home and safety.
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In response to these concerns, Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala explained that the frequent pipe bursts were caused by a combination of factors, including ageing infrastructure, pressure fluctuations, and environmental conditions beyond their control.
She also noted that repairs were complicated by the fact that water pipelines were often located beneath other utility lines, which could lead to accidental damage during excavations.
Johannesburg Water confirmed that they were actively working on a pipe replacement programme to address these recurring issues.
The spokesperson for City Power, Isaac Mangena, acknowledged the ongoing electrical problems at Marquise Place. He said that repairs to the damaged underground cable were pending and that they couldn’t provide a clear timeline.
Mangena added that their ability to carry out repairs depended on Johannesburg Water fixing the water leak first, as the two infrastructures are interconnected.
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City Power also noted that their teams were limited by the fact that cables often lay beneath other services, making repairs more complex.
The area is currently barricaded for safety, but no immediate measures have been announced to prevent further damage.
Both departments emphasised their collaboration and reiterated their commitment to resolving the problems, but residents remain concerned about the prolonged disruptions and property damage.
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