JW implementing a strategy to improve reinstatement turnaround times
Nombuso Shabalala, spokesperson for Johannesburg Water, says reinstatements should be completed within five days after the initial repair, but delays may occur due to logistical challenges.
Nombuso Shabalala, spokesperson for Johannesburg Water, responded to the reinstatement issues affecting the suburbs around Randburg.
Many streets in Randburg are covered in water leaks and sewage spills, and decorated by old excavations and unfinished reinstatements. The open holes end up filling with water and dirt and raising safety concerns for residents. Some even block off lanes, causing traffic delays for motorists.
Read more: No sign of JW as the water keeps gushing out on Kelly Avenue
Shabalala admitted that the delayed reinstatements are a growing concern, particularly in high-traffic areas like Randburg and parts of Johannesburg.
“Reports indicate a backlog due to the aged infrastructure that has not been replaced, as well as resource constraints. This has resulted in numerous open excavations, affecting residents and businesses. The entity is implementing a strategy to improve turnaround times.
“This includes allocating additional resources and enhancing co-ordination with Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to ensure quicker responses. A task team has been established to monitor and expedite long-overdue reinstatements.”
Some reinstatement issues go back as far as two years. When reported, all the residents get is a reference number, and a promise that the issue will be escalated and attended to.
Also read: JRA completes Bond Stream project amid concerns
She said that while the target timeframe is five days, certain reinstatements remain unresolved for extended periods due to various operational reasons.
“The entity acknowledges that some sites have remained unattended for up to two years, and efforts are being made to address this backlog through accelerated intervention plans. Due to the volume of reinstatements within the region, reinstatements are prioritised based on several factors, including safety risks, traffic impact, public complaints, and the type of infrastructure affected. Urgent reinstatements, such as those in high-traffic areas or posing safety hazards, are prioritised.”
She added that reinstatements that involve municipal roads, sidewalks, or storm water infrastructure, fall under the jurisdiction of JRA. If a repair affects infrastructure managed by JRA, it is transferred to them for completion.
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