Johannesburg Water restores Paulshof water supply following major Witkoppen Road repairs
Ward 115 councillor Mark van der Merwe says he is confident the engineer-approved repairs will provide a lasting solution to the repeated pipe bursts that have disrupted residents’ water supply.
Water has been restored to affected areas in Paulshof, following extensive repairs to the recurring leak on Witkoppen Road
Ward 115 councillor Mark van der Merwe, who has been overseeing the matter while Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy recovers in hospital, said he spent more than 14 hours on site on July 15. “I was onsite with the contractors from 09:00 till 23:00 while I was standing in for Reddy, who was in hospital. I met with the entire management team from Johannesburg Water and the contractors assisting with the repair.”
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According to Van der Merwe, the recurring problem stemmed from a 400mm water feed coming from Rivonia beneath the freeway. “The 400mm feed coming from Rivonia under the freeway needed additional repairs to stabilise the connections, as the pipe changes level under Witkoppen Road. That is where the problem area is.”
He said the repair included installing new bolts on the pipe connectors, carrying out additional welding, and re-seating the affected section of the pipeline. He said contractors were able to construct a concrete thrust block designed to prevent further movement of the pipe, which is believed to have caused the repeated bursts. “Johannesburg Water has provided water tankers within 200m of the site for the last two days.”
Although the repair site has not yet returned to full operating pressure, Van der Merwe expressed confidence in the work completed. “I believe that this is a solid repair job that has been approved by the engineers and it will last.”
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He also thanked residents for their patience and support throughout the repair process. “I trust that all residents have at least more than a trickle of water, and I just want to thank all the residents that visited the site and bought the working team and myself a constant supply of coffee, cold drinks, and meals while we worked late into the night. This was highly appreciated by all.”
When contacted for comment on July 21 at 10:05, the water utility acknowledged the receipt of the media query and promised to revert. An update will be provided once received.
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