Residents of Sharonlea, in Randburg, can look forward to improved water services, following the completion of the Johannesburg Water (JW) pipe replacement project.

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The project is part of efforts to upgrade water infrastructure and conserve water, involving the replacement of ageing asbestos cement water pipes, enhancing the reliability and safety of the suburb’s water infrastructure.

JW’s pipe replacement programme needs to renew 2 312km of water pipelines, with a total budget of R1.13b required to carry it out.

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The project, in Sharonlea, began in October 2024, and was completed in August 2025. The aged asbestos cement water pipes, which are rigid and therefore susceptible to bursts, were replaced with UPVC Class 16 high-impact pipes, which are more durable. The total length of pipe replaced was 1 220m.

JW’s Trevor Mbonani, and Capex project manager, explained that this programme is designed to ensure a continued reduction of non-revenue water (NRW) pipe bursts, and sewer blockages throughout the City of Johannesburg, and to sustain a good level of service to the city’s customers. “It will also maximise the lifespan of infrastructure to ensure sustainability and reliability through a programmed and systematic approach to pipeline rehabilitation and renewal.”

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