Craigavon circle repaired after six-month water leak
Johannesburg Water repaired a leaking valve, and JRA followed with pothole repairs at Poplar and Campbell roads, bringing long-awaited relief to Craigavon residents.
Craigavon residents are finally seeing some relief after Johannesburg Water (JW) fixed a leaking valve at the Poplar and Campbell roads circle, and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) stepped in, on September 22, to repair the dangerous potholes left behind.
The leak had troubled the area for more than six months, leaving the intersection filled with mud, craters, and unsafe driving conditions.
Read more: Craigavon circle potholes repaired after 6-month valve leak fixed
On September 11, Ward 115 councillor Mark van der Merwe, Ward 94 councillor David Foley, residents, officials from JW and JRA, the urban inspector, and the Region E CRUM director took a closer look at the issue. “At the meeting, we were assured by JW that they would repair the valve in the ground to avoid any further delays,” said Van der Merwe.
True to their word, JW teams finished the valve repair on September 12
Before the repair, drivers had to swerve onto the wrong side of the circle to avoid the large potholes and wet areas.
For months, JRA refused to fix the road surface, saying that JW needed to address the water issue first. This created a deadlock that frustrated residents and worsened the road’s condition.
After some pressure, JRA temporarily repaired the circle on September 18.
Also read: Fourways illegal traders and settlements in spotlight
“It was a long process, but eventually, an escalation to the CFO was taken seriously. The potholes were fixed right away, with a temporary solution, and then two days later with a permanent one.”
When asked if the repairs would last until they could fully resurface the road, Van der Merwe responded: “The repairs are permanent, and now the lengthy process to resurface the entire road will begin.”
Van der Merwe said he has asked for full resurfacing of the circle, once JW’s sewer project wraps up in December.
The councillor noted a positive response from residents.
“Residents are happy that we managed to get the potholes repaired. It’s been a big frustration for the community for months.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
