Illegal mystery pipe leads to delay in JRA storm water drain repair on Bram Fischer Drive
Reinstatement issues on Bram Fischer Drive, including the discovery of a mystery illegal pipe connected to the storm water pipe, are still causes headaches for business owners and residents.
After pledging to replace the storm water drain on Bram Fischer Drive within five working days in November last year, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has yet to do so.
Read more: JW implementing a strategy to improve reinstatement turnaround times
Johannesburg Water (JW) dug up a portion of the pavement on Bram Fischer Drive to repair an underground burst pipe, however, after completing the work, they did not fill in the excavation, due to JRA needing to repair the storm water pipe.
That was 13 months ago and the gaping hole has since been causing frustration for businesses and residents alike. The damage caused has completely disrupted the flow of traffic, as well as access to the front parking of some business premises, posing a significant safety and health hazard.
JW is currently waiting for JRA to repair the storm water drain before the reinstatement is done.
In May 2024, JW’s Randburg Depot sent a communication via email to JRA requesting them to repair the storm water drain, before the reinstatement can be done. Once the storm water drain is repaired, the excavation can be closed.
The excavation is not only an eyesore, but the rubble has blocked the pavement, and the hole is filled with dirt, smelly water, and overgrown shrubs.
In November 2024, JRA head of department for regional operations Khaya Gqibitole said the roads agency was working with JW to repair a number of road infrastructure-related repairs in the area.
This specific storm water drain’s reinstatement formed part of their list, and was supposed to be repaired within five working days. However, the area remained untouched.
Also read: No sign of JW as the water keeps gushing out on Kelly Avenue
Ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman has been escalating the issue with both JW and JRA.
“I have an email from JW saying it would be attended to without any further delay, yet they’re not keeping to their word. It is concerning that a badly repaired water related issue takes this long to resolve.”
Gqibitole explained that the delays were incurred due to an illegal pipe connecting to the storm water infrastructure, and excavations will start on February 9th to repair that.
“The storm water drain could unfortunately not be repaired as scheduled, as upon inspection the JRA team discovered an illegal water pipe that had intercepted the storm water line. The team has already verified that the pipe doesn’t belong to JW. We are currently investigating whether it belongs to the surrounding businesses before we can block it off to begin repairs to our storm water infrastructure.”
He further stated that the illegal water pipe will be blocked off with assistance from JW and the repairs are anticipated to commence in the next two weeks.
“The jobbing is on schedule for repairs on the Bram Fischer storm water line.”
The entity also appeals to community members to assist in keeping their infrastructure clean and functioning by refraining from littering and disposing waste materials into the storm water drains.
“Our maintenance teams often clear out car parts, plastics objects, mattresses, and other items that clog and damage the kerb inlets and pipes.”
Gqibitole added that, no unauthorised persons should install any piping infrastructure, as these are illegal connections and in contravention of the city’s by-laws. JRA has wayleave processes that can be followed should service providers wish to undertake work on public roads and associated infrastructure.
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