A major pipe burst on Pretoria Avenue has once again drawn attention to the area’s ageing water infrastructure, turning part of the road into what residents have jokingly dubbed a new Jacuzzi.

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Clean water continues to gush from the ruptured pipe, sending thousands of litres flowing wastefully down the street. This latest incident is not an isolated case. Pretoria Avenue has become increasingly known for recurring pipe bursts, with residents estimating this to be the third or fourth occurrence in recent years. The repeated failures have raised concerns in the community.

Adding to the frustration is the location of the leak, right next to an old reinstatement site that has been left unattended for years. The neglected patch has since become overgrown with weeds.

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Ward 102 councillor Bea Campbell-Cloete noted that, without proper upgrades and consistent maintenance, these incidents are likely to continue. “The burst is most likely due to ageing and pressurised water infrastructure. However, this leak could have been compounded by the incomplete work from the previous burst.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Ward 102 councillor Bea Campbell-Cloete addresses the issue of a major water leak on Pretoria Avenue in Ferndale. Video: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni #Ward102 #Randburg ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

She added that the matter has been escalated to Johannesburg Water, along with the previous unfinished reinstatements, which were also reported to citizen relationship and urban management (Crum). “On Friday, Johannesburg Water was again engaged on the outstanding repairs and the new continued leak in Pretoria Avenue. We are maintaining pressure for immediate intervention.”

Questions were sent to Johannesburg Water on March 22, and their response will be published once it is made available. In the meantime, water continues to run down the road. This shows not only infrastructure issues but also the challenges of water wastage in a city already facing constraints.

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