Hole at entrance to Ferndale on Republic is still not reinstated
Joburg Water has fixed the leak and JRA is still making plans to fix the damaged storm water drains before the backfill can be done.
The rubble at Ferndale on Republic still remains an eye sore months after the leak was fixed by Johannesburg Water (JW).
Read more: JW still needs still needs approval before repairs can be made
The burst happened around July. It took about 3–4 weeks for JW to fix it, with constant pressure from businesses and Ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman.
Nombuso Shabalala, spokesperson for JW, confirmed that they completed the repairs, however, they cannot backfill the site yet, because there is a damaged storm water pipe that needs to be repaired by Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA).
The delegations from both entities met on September 6, to discuss resolutions regarding the reinstatement of the damaged storm water pipe and the damaged road section at the entrance of Ferndale on Republic.
On September 10, a technical assessment was conducted, but JRA still has not fixed the damaged storm water drain months later.
JRA’s head of regional operations Khaya Gqibitole explained that the process took time due to geotechnical studies and topographical surveys that were undertaken along the area, and affected the storm water infrastructure.
“However, JRA is concluding designs and scope of the remedial work. Once finalised, JRA will undertake the repair work.”
Also read: JRA is still unable to fix a hole
Explaining the reinstatement process, he said that it begins with a wayleave application from JW to undertake work within the road reserve on their infrastructure.
“Once work has been completed, JW issues a work order to JRA to reinstate the excavated road. In this case, JRA’s storm water pipes were affected during excavation works by JW along the Republic Road entrance.”
Businesses at the shopping centre, and the Mercure Hotel, have been affected negatively since, with the piles of sand next to their entrances. The lane that turns into the shopping centre was severely affected by the excavation and led to traffic congestion and delays.
Harman said that JRA region B made a promise to start work on this hole on November1, but they are now ignoring her.
“There’s been zero communication, and it is unacceptable. It’s very concerning for Ferndale on Republic. I care about residents and businesses, and this is going to hurt them financially.”
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: JRA responds to a six-year-old reinstatement
