A major underground water leak and an overflowing manhole in Kanonierspark North have raised concerns over the safety of nearby residential properties, with DA Ward 7 Councillor, André Klopper, calling for the JB Marks Local Municipality to intervene as a matter of urgency.

According to Klopper, the leak is situated in the municipal road reserve behind properties in Eleazer Road, adjacent to Rissik Street 150. He recently conducted a site inspection after being approached by a concerned resident and was accompanied by the property owner’s father, Johann Schöning.

Klopper said the municipality had previously excavated the area in an apparent attempt to locate the source of the leak, but the excavation has since filled with water and remains inundated.

“The leak has clearly not been repaired and continues to cause ongoing damage. Irrespective of which utility owns the underground infrastructure, the Municipality has a duty to coordinate the necessary repairs and prevent further damage to neighbouring properties,” Klopper said.

He added that the continuously leaking water has saturated the surrounding ground and is seeping against the rear boundary walls of several residential properties.

According to Schöning, independent contractors were appointed to inspect his property after concerns about movement in the foundations. He claims they confirmed that the prolonged saturation of the soil is affecting the home’s foundations, increasing the risk of structural damage should the leak remain unattended.

Klopper warned that continued water infiltration could lead to settlement of foundations, movement of boundary walls, structural cracking, damage to municipal infrastructure and neighbouring properties, as well as potential financial liability for the municipality.

During the inspection, Klopper also observed an overflowing manhole in front of Rissik Street 150, with water flowing into the roadway. He believes this is a separate infrastructure defect that also requires urgent investigation and repair.

“As the elected Ward Councillor, I have an obligation to report infrastructure failures that place residents, municipal assets and private property at risk,” Klopper said.

In his correspondence to the municipality, Klopper requested an immediate inspection by senior engineering officials, confirmation of the source of the leak, temporary measures to stop the water loss, permanent repairs, an investigation into the reported structural impacts on neighbouring properties, repairs to the overflowing manhole and a written report outlining the municipality’s findings and planned intervention.

At the time of publication, the JB Marks Local Municipality had not responded to questions regarding the reported leak, the overflowing manhole or when repairs would be carried out.