Fifth water pipe burst leaves Norkem Park complex flooded
Residents of Sunbonani Complex say repeated water pipe bursts have caused damage and disruption, as the City of Ekurhuleni plans to replace the pipeline by June 2027.
Sunbonani Complex residents in Norkem Park are calling for a permanent solution after suffering a fifth water pipe burst in two years on September 22.
The latest incident left the complex flooded and forced residents to relive a similar disaster from February.
Ten-year resident Nombulelo Mbukushe suffered property and vehicle damage from the ongoing pipe failures.
Photo: Masego Mashilo
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“I am tired of the municipality’s non-response. We were told they reduced the water pressure on the pipes to prevent them from bursting. Then how did this latest incident happen?
“I want municipality to replace the whole pipe or remove it completely from running through the complex. That’s a permanent fix then repair all damages caused by all five incidents. At this stage, I cannot even do renovations at my house due to the condition of the complex,” said Mbukushe.
The repeated failures have caused widespread disruption, with Ward 91 Councillor Desmond Mckenzie warning that each burst affects a significant part of Norkem Park and almost all of Birchleigh North.
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Mckenzie urged the City of Ekurhuleni to stop treating each failure as an isolated emergency and demanded a comprehensive technical assessment, a clear explanation for the repeated bursts, and a plan to upgrade, replace, or redirect the pipeline.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini attributed the bursts to wear and tear, noting that repairs in February replaced a six-metre section.
Dlamini said the municipality installed a pressure-reducing valve to reduce hammering on the pipeline and plans a complete replacement within the Sunbonani Complex for the 2026/27 financial year, ending June 2027.
