Following the article published by the Roodepoort Northsider on Monday, May 11, highlighting ongoing flooding, potholes, and electricity challenges affecting Constantia Close and Constantia Manor on Antelope Turn, both City Power and Johannesburg Water have issued formal responses addressing residents’ complaints.

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City Power’s response

Spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed the utility is aware of the electricity supply issues affecting the two complexes.

He explained that the prolonged outage, which left residents without electricity for nine consecutive days, was caused by damage to an underground cable during work linked to Johannesburg Water infrastructure activity. He added that delays were worsened by co-ordination challenges and the procurement of specialised materials required for repairs.

Mangena said City Power teams remained on site throughout the restoration process, conducting fault assessments, locating the damaged cable section, and sourcing materials such as aerial bundle conductors.

He further explained that restoration was complicated by additional network faults after partial supply was restored.

“When electricity supply is restored, some pockets may remain without power due to secondary faults or inrush current, which can trip protection equipment at local mini substations,” Mangena said.

On concerns about cables in the area, he acknowledged reports of loose and exposed infrastructure.

“City Power is aware of the concerns raised regarding the cable installation in the area. The hanging cable forms part of the current network configuration supplying the complexes.”

He added that the installation will be properly secured as part of permanent repairs and confirmed that electricity supply to the complexes has now been fully restored. Mangena also stated that the current network configuration is safe and compliant with required standards.

Johannesburg Water’s response

Spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala confirmed the entity is aware of water-related concerns in the broader Constantia Kloof area, including nearby streets such as Wilhelmina Avenue, but said the source of the water at Antelope Turn has not yet been confirmed.

“At this stage, the source has not yet been conclusively identified. The outcome of the water testing will provide clarity and inform any necessary intervention,” Shabalala said.

She explained that investigations and water quality testing are underway to determine whether the water originates from groundwater seepage or the municipal reticulation system.

“Current indications suggest the possibility of groundwater presence rather than a confirmed reticulated [municipal supply] water leak,” she said.

Johannesburg Water added that the trench where water has accumulated is not part of its infrastructure but belongs to a third-party service provider installing cables in the area. It also said road deterioration and potholes are likely due to heavy rainfall, traffic load, and general wear and tear.

City Power confirmed that electricity supply has been fully restored, with final work still underway to secure and standardise infrastructure as part of permanent repairs.

The Johannesburg Roads Agency had not provided a response regarding the condition of Antelope Turn, including potholes, trenching, and road degradation, at the time of publication.

Both City Power and Johannesburg Water said investigations remain ongoing and encouraged residents to continue reporting issues through official channels.