Local newsMunicipalNews

Open excavation on Nerina Street makes road almost impassable

Kensington B residents are frustrated over the unfished work by Johannesburg Water on Nerina Street.

Johannesburg Water’s (JW) unattended reinstatement for seven months on Nerina Street is causing frustration for residents of Kensington B.

Read more: Excavation affects businesses at Ferndale on Republic

The excavation was left open following substantial water leak repairs. The rubble has fully closed one lane of the road, making travel difficult and dangerous for cars.

Excavation left open on Nerina Street. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni

A concerned resident explained that on May 28, when going to the voting venue on Milner Road, he reported the water leak to Emi Koekemoer, the Ward 104 councillor.

“After the leak was fixed the road was not restored. There have been no attempts of any repairs up till this point. Kensington B and surrounding areas have been having issues with water leaks for some time. Water is a precious commodity and needs to be conserved. It appears not to be a priority for the authorities. Also, when water leaks are attended to, as in the case of Nerina Street, the work is not completed, as in the repair area was not restored.”

Overgrown weeds inside the hole. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni

Also read: Hyperion Drive excavation runs on for seven months

He added that JW is a government entity, and they have a budget which comes from taxpayers’ pockets. “They are paid salaries to maintain the water supply infrastructure. There is clearly no oversight. This has to change, sooner rather than later.”

Koekemoer explained that the reinstatements have been and remain a telling picture of the decay of city infrastructure.

“Almost like open graves where service delivery goes to die. They take months to get resolved. I know of a few that are going on years. The issue is, not only does it pose a risk for drivers but for pedestrians too. It also contributes to the erosion of road surfaces, like can be seen on Republic Road.”

Excavation on Nerina Street left open by Johannesburg Water. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni

Republic Road, outside the Ferndale on Republic Shopping Centre, has not been restored since the pipe was fixed in July last year.
JW was sent questions about the matter but did not reply by the time of print. However, their reply will be published once made available.

Follow us on our FacebookXInstagram, and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.

Related article: Archaeologists excavate human remains at Kruger National Park

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here.

Related Articles

Back to top button