Outstanding reinstatement work across Blairgowrie and other parts of Ward 102, unresolved for months, has raised questions about communication, accountability and the effectiveness of efforts to secure action from relevant authorities.

The issue is particularly concerning on Neilson Road, where an unfinished reinstatement in the middle of the road presents a potential safety hazard to motorists and other road users. Beyond the immediate danger, the prolonged delay highlights the need for clarity on who is responsible for completing the work and ensuring affected areas are made safe.

Read more: Ward 102 fights back against illegal billboards

Co-director of the Blairgowrie Residents Association Harold Fleishman questioned whether municipal service providers give community issues sufficient urgency, expressing disappointment over their lack of attention. “Even a reinstatement in the middle of the road stays undone for months,” Fleishman said. “We try to escalate with the councillor, but Johannesburg Water doesn’t seem to be able to work hand in hand to get issues resolved. If Johannesburg Water repairs a burst pipe, why is there a disconnect with other entities to complete the reinstatement and restore the road?”

For Fleishman, the concern extends beyond the condition of a single road. It is also about knowing whether reported problems are being followed up consistently and whether there is a clear process to ensure that outstanding work does not remain unattended indefinitely.

Also read: Ward 102 battles rise in illegal billboards

On the Conrad Road pavement, a large hole still remains unresolved after Johannesburg Water fixed a leaking pipe months ago. The hole is next to the gate that leads to the park and the Blairgowrie swimming pool. “We have children that come in and out of this gate, and it is not safe for them. The tape that they put up is no longer holding, leaving the area dangerous,” Fleishman said.

Ward 102 councillor Bea Campbell-Cloete admitted that multiple reinstatements remain outstanding across the area. She confirmed that no work is taking place despite continuous logging and escalation by residents and councillors, with some reinstatements remaining incomplete for years. “It is hard to believe that the entities cannot sit around a table and reach an agreement but allow these situations to continue. They fail to negotiate terms to ensure the very services they are meant to render are indeed rendered,” Campbell-Cloete said.

Media enquiries were sent to Johannesburg Water on October 9 regarding the ongoing delays in Ward 102. The entity acknowledged the enquiry and stated it would respond within its standard turnaround time of 24 to 48 hours, depending on complexity. Follow-ups were made on October 19 and 22, but the entity had not responded by the time of print.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!