JW is yet to fix a pipe burst on Bosbok Road 15 days on
A burst pipe on Bosbok Road, in Randpark Ridge, is raising safety concerns, with the ward councillor promising to further escalate the issue.
It has been over 15 days since the pipe burst on Bosbok Road in Randpark Ridge was reported, unfortunately Johannesburg Water (JW) has not done anything to fix it.
Read more: Kya Sands businesses struggle after nearly two months without water
The water is pumping out of the pipe onto the road, causing thousands of litres of fresh water to go to waste. Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp has reported the issue, and has been escalating it to JW.
He explained that, unfortunately, many senior officials within the entity are currently on leave, which has made obtaining regular updates more difficult. However, JW has confirmed that a tender is in process to appoint a contractor to assess and implement a permanent fix.
“This solution will include the installation of gabions, to stabilise the riverbank and protect the pipe from future damage.”
The pipe is located under the road, but at the moment it is exposed. making it easy for it to be damaged, especially during heavy rains. Steenkamp said that he will continue to push for progress, and keep residents informed as further details are made available.
“It’s deeply frustrating and unacceptable,” he said. “In a city already facing water insecurity, seeing such a significant volume of clean water go to waste, for over two weeks, is disheartening. This is not just a loss of a precious resource; it’s a failure of urgency from the city’s leadership and administration.”
Also read: Water wastage as Helen Road water leak left unresolved for several months
He further stated that the pipe burst, and continuous flooding, present a serious safety hazard. The water flowing underneath, and on top of, the road compromises road integrity, reduces support, and increases the risk of vehicles hydroplaning or pedestrians slipping.
“This situation puts residents, especially schoolchildren and daily commuters, at unnecessary risk. Water exposure will further deteriorate the road surface, weakening the foundation and eventually leading to collapses or large potholes. It’s only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs if the situation isn’t resolved urgently.”
Steenkamp added that while he appreciates the recent initiation of a tender process for a long-term solution, the overall response has been sluggish and inconsistent. “There’s been little visible urgency, despite the risk to both infrastructure and public safety. Residents deserve better proactive, transparent, and timely service delivery.”
JW was sent questions about the issue and had not replied at time of going to print.
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