RANDPARK RIDGE – Thousands of residents were left without running water and properties were flooded on 30 June when a section of a water pipeline on Suikerbos Avenue in Randpark Ridge burst – only 10 days after having been replaced.
Residents of Bromhof, Randpark Ridge, Boskruin, Strijdom Park, Sonneglans and Kelly Ridge had to wait until 2 July for running water to return, in the meantime waiting in queues at water tanks as long as 30 minutes for water.
Johannesburg Water spokesperson Millicent Kabwe said that the pipe burst due to a crack in the pipe, and, “We have removed the broken pipe and replaced it with a new section to minimise further bursts.”
However, there is now a small leak near the repaired pipe, reported on 3 July, and Johannesburg Water is investigating.
It was also reported that the water tank provided on the corner of Molope Road and Haakdoring Street arrived a day later than Kabwe said it would, and this is also being investigated.
When the pipe’s 35-year-old predecessor burst on 17 June, residents had to use imaginative methods to source water while three dry days passed, as reported previously.
See Water pipe burst leaves Randpark dry in Randburg Sun week ending 27 June.
The replacement pipe’s burst, however, ensured that residents on Suikerbos Avenue had far more water than they knew what to do with, as water streamed through their properties and onto Molope Road on the other side of their walls, where the road was “like a river” 40cm high, residents said.
The Knevitt family was the worst affected, residents claimed.
Water flooded their entire house between 5 and 8cm high, and left behind a layer of mud in every room.
They are looking for a place to live while their flooring and furniture are replaced.
Water also flowed through Les Greves’ property, knocking his gate out of position, and turning his garden and swimming pool a muddy brown.
While the pipe was replaced in the morning of 2 July, water supply could only return in some areas later that night after air was let out of the pipeline at various points through hydrants.
Kabwe added that Johannesburg Water conveys “sincere appreciation for the patience the residents have demonstrated during this period”.
Details: Johannesburg Water 011 375 5555.
