Northcliff resident Aldri van Jaarsveld has brought attention to nine pressing issues in his area, primarily stemming from potholes and persistent water leaks. One significant concern is the ongoing leak on Albert Avenue, which has now entered its third week, with clean water running onto De La Rey.

“It’s heartbreaking to witness clean water flowing down the streets while leaks go unattended,” Van Jaarsveld expressed.

Read more: WaterCAN calls for community engagement to protect local ecosystems

He said that the disparity in water access is stark. At the same time, some suburbs are fortunate enough to receive water tankers, while others are left to witness crystal-clear water disappearing into storm drains. “For a water-scarce country that is nothing short of immoral mismanagement”, said Van Jaarsveld.

He expressed frustration over the lengthy response times for logged faults, noting that it often takes weeks for issues to be addressed. “It seems like a case of it is not my water, let it flow, but these are the harsh realities that affect us all.”

As a proud South African, Van Jaarsveld stated that this city, once hailed as a world-class destination and the engine-room of the economy, now bears the scars of neglect.

He believes that the path to restoring the city’s former glory lies in accountability and leadership. “We can rebuild this city’s shine, but only when accountability overshadows mediocrity, leaders take ownership, set measurable targets, and face consequences if they fail to meet them.”

The publication sent queries to Johannesburg Water and Johannesburg Roads Agency on the matters, and an update will be published as soon as it becomes available.

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