“The JRA is aware of repairs done by Johannesburg Water at Balder Road. The Depot is ready to reinstate, but this cannot be done because of the weather conditions.”

This response, from Mosa Makhalima of Johannesburg Roads Agency, came after Balder Road residents in Douglasdale found themselves once again waiting, this time not for the leak to be fixed, but for the road to be properly restored.

While the long-standing leak has now been repaired by Johannesburg Water, the latest delay adds another chapter to a saga that has stretched over more than three and a half years.

Read more: Sunninghill water crisis drags into third week as councillor demands answers

The repair itself marked a significant development, as previous attempts had failed within days, fuelling frustration and raising concerns about workmanship and oversight.

However, this time the intervention seem to be lasting longer. According to Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala, the recurring failures were not isolated incidents, but symptoms of a deeper problem.

“The recurrence is linked to the underlying condition of the pipeline. The affected section forms part of an ageing infrastructure that has experienced multiple failures over time, making it more susceptible to re-bursts even after repairs.”

What was initially believed to be a single leak soon revealed itself to be a far more complex issue. As excavation began, teams discovered additional faults beneath the surface, requiring the road to be dug up across its full width.

Resident Susan Mattrom said this has been a massive job, as Johannesburg Water had to dig all the way across the road because there was another leak on the other side.

Also read: Balder Road leak finally fixed, but residents a concerns over road repairs

“They put in a new water valve and a new column. It doesn’t look like it’s leaking again.”

While the leak may finally be under control, the condition of the road tells a different story.

Residents say the aftermath of years of water damage and multiple excavations has yet to be properly addressed. “You’ll also see that potholes are not filled correctly,” said Mattrom.

“They’re still indented, and there are potholes a little bit higher up the road that haven’t been filled at all. They need to come back, clean up their work, fill in potholes properly, and re-tar that section where the trench was dug.”

Makhalima stated: “We will reinstate as soon as the weather permits and the ground is dry.”

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