Residents of Constantia Close and Constantia Manor in Antelope Turn say they are frustrated and concerned for their safety after dealing with ongoing flooding, potholes and electricity problems on Antelope Turn since June 2024.

Rory Yoko, a resident and chairperson of both complexes, together with fellow resident Nkosi Ncube, recently showed the Roodepoort Northsider the extent of the damage in the area, where water continues flowing through trenches and potholes near exposed electrical cables.

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During the site visit, the residents used buckets to remove water from flooded holes near temporary electricity cables. However, the water quickly flowed back in.

According to Yoko, the problems began in 2024 due to what they believe is a leaking pipe combined with rainwater runoff. Although repairs were carried out after complaints and media attention at the time, he said the improvements only lasted a few months before the same issues returned.

“What happens is this fills all the way up, but it’s almost like a sewer canal system. We’ve actually had to siphon water out of there because we’re anticipating the next rainstorm,” Yoko explained.

He also added that on top of these issues, a power outage in April left the two complexes without electricity for nine consecutive days while surrounding properties reportedly had their power restored.

A temporary electrical cable that is said to have been installed by City Power continues to bother residents as it hangs loosely over the trees near the trench area.

“I’m waiting for this either to get stolen or for someone to get electrocuted,” Yoko added. He mentioned that delivery vehicles frequently knock the temporary cables down, creating further danger for residents.

There are also electrical cables that are submerged under water inside one of the trenches, which residents believe could be dangerous.

“The biggest concern is someone’s going to get hurt badly. It doesn’t need someone to die for it to be sorted,” Ncube said.

The Northsider also observed potholes filled with water, damaged road surfaces and temporary electrical cables running across sections of the street during the visit.

Ncube said they have repeatedly reported the matter to Johannesburg Water, City Power and the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), but feel the entities continue shifting responsibility.

“They’re shifting blame on each other. No, it’s not this one, it’s that one. No, it’s not that one, it’s this one,” said Ncube.

Both Ncube and Yoko believe the flooding has contributed significantly to the deterioration of the roadway and fear an accident could occur as motorists swerve around potholes near a blind corner.

City Power confirmed awareness of the matter and responded to the Northsider’s inquiry. However, its full response will be published in a follow-up article. JRA and Johannesburg Water said investigations are ongoing and feedback will be provided once completed.