Welties residents demand action on leaks and road damage

Residents in several streets in Weltevreden Park are raising concerns over ongoing water leaks and drainage problems that they say are wasting water, damaging roads and creating safety risks.

The Roodepoort Northsider visited several affected areas, including Es Avenue, Sovereign Road and the corner of Rietbok Street and Gemsbok Avenue, where residents expressed frustration over what they perceive as slow responses from municipal entities.

According to Ward 89 councillor Zander Shawe, one of the leaks remained active for more than four weeks before it was repaired last week.

The matter had been escalated to Johannesburg Water (JW), but residents felt the response time was excessive.

Shawe said the constant flow of water resulted in significant wastage and contributed to the deterioration of the road surface.

“Residents would like to see leaks repaired within 24 hours of being reported to prevent unnecessary water losses and infrastructure damage,” he said.

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The leak has since been repaired under reference number JWAPP-40120913.

Meanwhile, a separate water-related problem on Sovereign Road has remained unresolved for nearly three years.

Wilgeheuwel resident Zelda Marais said the issue was first reported on September 5, 2023, when water began surfacing near the intersection of Emily Hobhouse and Sovereign roads.

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JW investigated the matter and concluded that the water was not coming from a municipal pipe leak but from underground water. Residents were subsequently referred to the Johannesburg Roads Agency to address the drainage issue.

Marais said the matter became increasingly frustrating as residents were allegedly referred between the two entities without a permanent solution being implemented.

She claims that during JW’s investigation, part of the pavement was excavated and the existing drain was damaged. Since then, underground water has continued to seep through the pavement and flow onto the roadway.

The persistent water flow has resulted in moss growth and the formation of large potholes at the intersection of Emily Hobhouse and Sovereign roads.

Marais said the deteriorating road surface poses a danger to both motorists and pedestrians, with drivers often having to swerve to avoid the potholes.

She believes the road cannot be properly repaired until the underlying drainage problem is resolved and has called on the relevant authorities to reinstate the damaged drainage system.

“Things are reported, but there is a lack of urgency. Residents simply want these issues resolved before they cause further damage and become a bigger safety risk,” she said.

In a separate incident, resident Ryan Seymour raised concerns about a hole left behind after work was carried out on Es Avenue, saying it poses a potential safety risk to road users and pedestrians.

Residents are calling for quicker intervention, improved communication and better coordination between municipal entities to ensure water-related issues are addressed promptly and effectively.

The Northsider contacted JW for comment. The article will be updated once a response is received.