Residents frustrated as recurring burst pipes plague Sunbonani Complex

Residents of Sunbonani Complex in Norkem Park have experienced multiple burst pipe incidents in less than a year, causing frustration and property damage.

Between March 2025 and February 2026, different areas of the complex experienced repeated pipe bursts, prompting calls for a permanent solution.

Kempton Express visited the complex on the morning of February 11.

The first incident occurred on March 24 last year.

Residents initially contacted their insurance, which determined that the problem was not caused by the complex itself. The municipality was then called in and discovered that the burst pipe was part of a main reservoir line supplying several areas of Kempton Park.

“The first thing we did when we realised there was a burst pipe was contact the insurance.

“They told us that since we had switched off everything and the problem persisted, it was not our responsibility. They advised us to call the municipality. The municipality found that it was a reservoir pipe and managed to stop the water. This main pipe supplies several areas around Kempton Park,” said resident Kamogelo Mashaba.

Residents expressed concern that the main pipeline runs within the complex and questioned why this was allowed when the plans for their homes and the complex were approved.

They noted that this issue only began in March 2025, despite living in the complex for more than 10 years without problems.

The water pressure caused a boundary wall to collapse, leaving the complex with only a fence where the wall once stood.

A second burst occurred on April 13 near the site of the first, and the municipality closed the valve the same day.

The inside wall has collapsed twice during these incidents, but the insurance company did not rebuild it after the second collapse, advising residents to seek municipal intervention.

“As the Ward Councillor, I acknowledge the serious concerns raised by residents regarding the recurring burst water pipes at Sunbonani Complex, which have also affected parts of Birchleigh North.

“These incidents have resulted in prolonged water outages and, in some cases, property damage, creating understandable frustration,” said City of Ekurhuleni Ward 91 councillor Desmond McKenzie.

“I have engaged with the Senior Engineer responsible for the area, who confirmed that the matter is being treated urgently.
“Immediate mitigation, including reducing water pressure, has been implemented to minimise further bursts while a long-term solution is evaluated.

“A proposed permanent intervention involves diverting the pipeline outside the complex. Funding is currently being secured for this,” he added.

Resident Nombulelo Mbukushe shared that a recent burst damaged her driveway and noted that repairs were not always followed by proper cleanup.

“The municipality only fixed the burst areas. They made about four repairs, only where the pipe burst. I fear another burst may occur because the entire pipe could be old and rusted.

“All we want is for the water to be redirected outside the complex. The current situation puts our lives at risk,” she said.
Fortunately, an incident earlier this year occurred outside the complex and caused no damage. However, residents report that bursts on January 25, February 5 and February 7 continued to disrupt life and affect property values, making it difficult to sell their homes.

According to the City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, the bursts were caused by an ageing AC pipeline running through the complex.

“The issue stems from an ageing and physically deteriorating AC pipeline struggling to handle water pressure during peak times. The reported bursts were responded to and repaired promptly. Pressure management measures, including a pressure-reducing valve, have been installed.

“The AC pipeline replacement program is underway, although the budget for the replacement is yet to be secured. Funding for pressure management has been secured,” Dlamini said.

Residents are calling for a permanent solution to ensure the safety of their homes and prevent further damage.