5 water leaks plague Pretoria Avenue in Ferndale as Joburg Water delays repairs
Clean water continues to run down a Ferndale street as decaying infrastructure causes repeated pipe bursts and local frustration.
Johannesburg Water has yet to carry out its plans to replace decaying infrastructure, causing repeated pipe bursts on Pretoria Avenue in Ferndale.
The unresolved leaks on Pretoria Avenue have dragged on for months and continue to worsen. On July 27, Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said the bursts are due to ageing infrastructure and ground vibrations from heavy road traffic.
She also confirmed that the entity has plans to replace ageing water infrastructure in the area. Implementation, however, remains subject to the availability of capital expenditure funding.
Read more: Months long water leak frustrates Ferndale residents
However, there is still no sign of Johannesburg Water contractors, and five leaks now plague the same pipeline while clean water continues to run down the road.
Ward 102 councillor Bea Campbell-Cloete conducted an oversight inspection with Member of Parliament Stephen Moore.
Campbell-Cloete said she escalated the issue directly to Johannesburg Water and through municipal channels right up to the city manager.
Also read: Bram Fischer Drive water leak repair now complete
“They acknowledged the issue and, unfortunately, that was almost two months ago, and no report has been forthcoming. We need clear communication about the cause of the problem, the work being undertaken and, most importantly, when the road and surrounding area will be properly reinstated.”
Residents have had to deal with disruption, inconvenience and uncertainty, while motorists face delays and difficult driving conditions around the affected section of Pretoria Avenue.
The ward councillor added that local businesses and commuters are also impacted.
“Residents deserve reliable services, safe roads and timely communication from the city. This issue has been ongoing for over a year with no proper timeline on when it will be fixed; this is not acceptable.”
Follow-up queries were sent to Johannesburg Water and will be published once a response is received.
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