Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala has confirmed that the entity is aware of the recurring leak on Pretoria Avenue in Ferndale.

The leak has been unattended for months, with water flowing down the road. In July 2025, the area experienced a major leak, resulting in a water outage for over three days. Johannesburg Water attended to and fixed the leak, restoring the road, but a year later, a new leak has emerged in the same area.

Read more: Months long water leak frustrates Ferndale residents

Shabalala said the previous repair was intended to be permanent. “The damaged section of the steel pipeline was replaced during the previous repair.”

She said that the existing pipeline is a steel pipe that has deteriorated over time due to corrosion. As the pipe’s protective coating wears away, it becomes more susceptible to rust and leaks.

Also read: No solution for leak on Pretoria Avenue

“This is due to ageing infrastructure and ground vibrations, as the pipeline is located in the middle of the road. Both are contributing factors to the leak on Pretoria Avenue.”

Shabalala said that the affected steel pipeline will need to be replaced with new infrastructure and the current leak is not affecting supply. “Johannesburg Water has plans to replace ageing water infrastructure in the area. However, implementation is subject to the availability of CAPEX funding.

While the leak contributes to physical water losses within the network, it has not affected water supply to customers in the area.”

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