JW admits that their aging pipelines add to Jukskei Park’s leaking nightmare
Newey finally sees repairs done after weeks of leaks, power cuts, and driveway damage, highlighting Joburg’s repair delays and ageing pipes.
The wait was getting longer and more frustrating for Michaela Newey, a resident of Marquise Place in Jukskei Park, as she was grappling with ongoing pipe bursts and power issues that disrupted her daily life.
What began as a minor pipe burst on May 17 quickly escalated into a month-long ordeal, leaving her to deal with water damage, unreliable electricity, and an uncertain path to resolution.
Finally, after weeks of Johannesburg Water (JW) and City Power clashing over repair delays, City Power took the first decisive step and repaired its cables.
Newey also confirmed that on June 18, Joburg Water came to check the leak and closed up an open excavation they had left open in her driveway for weeks.
Also read: Johannesburg Water fails Marquise Place resident
She said that Joburg Water looked at all the joints, which do not seem to be leaking.
“They do believe that the amount of water coming from somewhere is a lot, but we don’t know where exactly. It could be a leak much higher up. But we were happy the pipes are not leaking, so they covered it up and we hope for the best and await the reinstatement team.”
Newey expressed her concerns over the damage that this repair had caused to the property. “What I need them to do is repave my driveway, which they dug up for the first time last year August, and again now.”
Nombuso Shabalala, the spokesperson for Johannesburg Water, said, “This phenomenon is often exacerbated by ageing infrastructure, subsoil conditions, high water table, seasonal temperature fluctuations and other factors beyond the control of Johannesburg Water.”
Newy is also scared about the future possibilities. “I think the teams have tried to resolve the issue, as they agreed that it’s an unusual amount of water, but there’s no clear indication of where it’s coming from.
Also read: Johannesburg Water and City Power clash over repair delays in Marquise Place
“The pipes are now reaching the end of their lifespan, as is happening everywhere. We’re expecting more bursts further down the road. I may have to take some expensive steps to protect my property from further damage, especially since, due to the land’s slope, water can flow into my yard even if the burst occurs higher up.”
Shabalala explained that JW has plans for infrastructure upgrades in place to address recurring pipe bursts like Newy’s.
“Johannesburg Water has an ongoing pipe replacement programme, which is designed to ensure a continued reduction of non-revenue water, pipe bursts, and sewer blockages throughout the city of Johannesburg, and to sustain a good level of service to CoJ’s customers.
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“The water pipe replacement projects specifically will contribute to the reduction of water pipe bursts, non-revenue water, and water service interruptions. These pipe replacement projects are taking place throughout the city.”
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