The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has identified a leaking pipe at the corner of Witkoppen Road and Winnie Mandela Drive in Fourways as the cause of persistent flooding and erosion in the area.
A problem, informal traders said, has been ongoing for as long as they can remember.

Traders operating at the corner who did not want to be named told Fourways Review the issue began as a minor problem when infrastructure work was carried out in the area.

Read more: Johannesburg Water contractors hard at work on stubborn pipeline leak in Paulshof

According to them, the situation escalated after what they believe was a disconnection of the stormwater system during repairs by Johannesburg Water. This resulted in water no longer flowing through the proper drainage system, instead spilling onto the side of the road.

Over time, the uncontrolled flow has caused erosion, exposing underground pipes and cables, and creating a hazardous environment for pedestrians and motorists.

Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy said, “I have reported the issue to both Johannesburg Water and Provincial Roads, with the latest site visit on the cause of the issue taking place about four to five months ago”

He added that efforts to resolve the matter have been slow.

Also read: No water in Sunninghill after major pipe bursts in Gallo Manor

“I have been actively working to get it resolved, but the back and forth between the departments involved has been draining and prolonged.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: Water floods the corner of Winnie Mandela Drive and Witkoppen Road, exposing pipes and cables and worsening erosion. Video: Ayanda Ntshingila #Fourways #JRA #JW ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Fourways Review has visited the site twice, observing that conditions worsen following every rainfall, with flooding intensifying and erosion spreading further across the affected area.

Lesiba Mpya, spokesperson for the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, confirmed that the issue is not related to underground water.

“This is not underground water; it is a leaking Johannesburg Water pipe. The department has raised this matter with the relevant agency and continues to engage with them to ensure the leak is addressed.

“The department will also assist in repairing the affected section of the road where the water has caused damage to the surface.”

Johannesburg Water was contacted for comment, and more information will be provided once it becomes available.

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