Several trenches in Wildebraam Street and many in other streets in the surrounding area, which were left open following water pipe repairs by Johannesburg Water (JW) contractors, remain unfinished, raising safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists.

The pavements and roads near the repaired sites have also been damaged, with uneven surfaces and loose bricks and soil from the digging still piled up near the dug-up areas.

Wildebraam and Madeliefie streets experienced constant water leaks and pipe bursts earlier this year, which required multiple repairs to be conducted since other houses were being flooded, and sometimes left residents with little to no water in their homes.

Also read: Persistent pipe failures frustrate residents

Many trenches have not been properly backfilled, leaving damaged surfaces that pose ongoing risks, especially since some of the trenches are deep and the caution tapes have been blown away by the wind. Some of the trenches are said to have been left like that for more than two years.

During a drive through the area with representatives from the RiverWel Residents Association, Neville Burnett and Kevin Thompson told the Roodepoort Northsider that they think some trenches may have been left open intentionally to allow easier access to water valves in the event of future pipe bursts.

Also read: Greenbelt submerged after pipe burst

While this may serve operational purposes, Burnett and Thompson highlighted that the unfinished trenches continue to create safety hazards for residents.

A formal request for comment was sent to JW’s communications officer, Nolwazi Dhlamini, with a deadline. To date, no response has been received regarding when the trenches and pavements will be fully restored. Once received, the response will be published.