The hole, on the corner of Barkston Drive and Mackay Avenue in Blairgowrie, is not only an eyesore; it raises safety concerns for motorists.

Ward 99 councillor Hendrik Bodenstein is frustrated about the trench, now filled with dirt and water, which was left after a pipe burst was allegedly fixed in July.

Read more: Another big hole left by Johannesburg Water after repairs

Bodenstein explained that it started as a small leak, before it was dug up and forgotten by Johannesburg Water.

The area is secured by yellow, plastic barriers, but remains a massive safety risk, especially with the rain. It remains unclear if the leak was even fixed, as the hole is always filled with water.

Also read: Hidden water pipe sparks safety concerns at Lukas Place

The ward councillor believes the leak has not been fixed, despite the digging of the hole. “It’s been filling up [with water]. The leak’s still there. It hasn’t been fixed. With the rains, the hole filled even more.

Johannesburg Road Agency is waiting for Johannesburg Water to finish their side, before they can come and do theirs. Everybody’s giving the other one the run around, and blaming each other. At the end of the day, we’re sitting with this mess.

He said that his biggest concern is the visitors to the G20, who are treated like absolute royalty, while the residents of Johannesburg have to live with holes and leaks in the pavements. “This is clean, municipal water being wasted, and the rest of us are being billed for it, as the ratepayers.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Ward 99 councillor Hendrik Bodenstein addresses the trench filled with dirt and litter at the corner of Barkston Drive and Mackay Avenue in Blairgowrie. Video: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni #Ward99 #Randburg ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Bodenstein has been escalating this issue, with councillor Lucinda Harman, Harold Fleishman, of the Blairgowrie Community Association, and residents, but there has been no action or communication from Johannesburg Water. “We’re just getting ignored, and it is unacceptable. It’s a crime against our residents and our rate payers.”

Resident Gwyneth Cox, who lives near the hole, described the situation as dangerous and disgusting. “We have been battling since July for the water company and the road company to come and fix this mess. It’s dangerous to people walking along here, and for motorists.”

She added that they live in fear, as they have witnessed accidents before on the busy road.

Johannesburg Water was sent questions, and their response will be published once it is made available.

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