Joburg Water has set out plans to address a troubling underground pipe at the intersection of Jan Smuts Avenue and Bram Fischer Drive in the Randburg CBD.

The pipe has burst repeatedly, leaking shortly after each repair. The situation previously raised concerns about ageing infrastructure in the area, with Ward 102 councillor Bea Campbell-Cloete calling for urgent intervention, accountability, and a lasting repair.

For Campbell-Cloete, temporary repairs are no longer enough. She wants a permanent solution and clear answers about why the same section of infrastructure continues to fail. The ongoing leak has also renewed concerns about the city’s ability to maintain ageing water infrastructure and respond quickly to reported faults.

Read more: JW replaces Bosbok Road pipe

The water leak is currently fixed, but the site is not reinstated, leaving a badly patched hole with sand in the middle of the busy road.

Joburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said the entity is aware of the matter, and investigations and site inspections were conducted to assess the situation and determine the underlying cause of the recurring problem.

Shabalala acknowledged that leaks were repaired several times in the past, but repeated reports shortly after prompted further investigation.

“The findings revealed that the site is being continuously vandalised by taxi washers operating in the area. This ongoing vandalism results in repeated damage to the infrastructure, requiring the site to be revisited despite previous repairs,” said Shabalala.

She confirmed that a site briefing was conducted, and the depot is currently awaiting quotations from reinstatement contractors.

“Once the quotations have been reviewed and approved, the relevant parties will proceed with the necessary repair and reinstatement works to resolve the issue,” said Shabalala.

Also read: No answers for Ferndale pipe burst

“At this stage, the entity will continue to carry out repairs as and when faults are reported. The primary challenge at the site is not related to service delivery, but rather the persistent vandalism caused by external parties, including taxi washers. This ongoing interference continues to compromise the integrity of the infrastructure and undermines repair efforts.”

Shabalala added that the entity remains committed to resolving the issue and restoring the site to a satisfactory condition. “While repair interventions have been undertaken previously, recurring vandalism has significantly contributed to the continued deterioration of the infrastructure. Measures are being implemented to strengthen and protect the affected assets, and permanent reinstatement works will proceed once the necessary procurement and approval processes have been completed.”

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