Water leak threatens Sjampanje bridge’s collapse
The situation stresses the urgent need for better infrastructure maintenance and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A water leak in Lubbe Rouge Street between Sjampanje Street and Western Lane, opposite Willow Falls Complex, was repaired earlier last week, but concerns remain as water continues to flow down the street, pooling in the hole left from the repair.
The recurring issue is raising alarms about the stability of the already compromised Sjampanje Street Bridge, which has been deemed unsafe by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and remains closed.
Johannesburg Water communication officer Nolwazi Dhlamini confirmed the initial repair and stated that backfilling was still being verified.
• Also read: No money for Sjampanje bridge reconstruction says JRA
“The repair has been completed, and we are awaiting feedback from the depot on whether the backfilling process has been finalised,” Dhlamini said.
However, residents observed water flowing down the road the very next morning, creating a hazardous pool at the site of the repair. The lingering water raises questions about the effectiveness of the fix and the risk of further damage to nearby infrastructure.
The Roodepoort Northsider visited the site to confirm if the leak had been fixed but upon arrival, the journalist was shocked to see the amount of water that was flowing down the street and motorists struggling to drive through.
• Also read: Sjampanje bridge to remain closed
The Sjampanje Street Bridge, a critical link for commuters, was previously closed after the JRA deemed it unsafe. Residents fear the persistent water flow could further weaken the bridge’s already fragile structure, increasing the risk of collapse.
“The repair hasn’t resolved the issue completely. Now we’re not only dealing with an unsafe bridge but also a road that’s difficult and dangerous to navigate,” said Willowbrook, Ruimsig, Amorosa, and Poortview (WRAP) Residents Association committee member Charles Dobson.
Although the road has been reopened, uneven surfaces and standing water make driving through the area challenging. Motorists report damage to their vehicles and slower travel times, particularly during peak hours. Residents are urging Johannesburg Water and the JRA to collaborate on a long-term solution. Temporary fixes, they argue, only delay the inevitable.
In the meantime, motorists are advised to drive cautiously while using the reopened road. Johannesburg Water has promised to provide updates on the backfilling status and any further repair measures to address the ongoing issues.
