Excavation on Louis Botha Avenue and Corlett Drive still filling with water
Johannesburg Water is aware of the Louis Botha Avenue and Corlett Drive excavation, but as there is still a leak in the sleeve pipe, further investigation is needed before it can be backfilled.
The excavation on Louis Botha Avenue and Corlett Drive is not only a cause of concern; it’s a safety hazard for pedestrians and motorists who frequent the busy road.
The Gazette visited the excavation on April 16, and was met with a barricaded, deep-hole, filled with water, litter, and exposed pipes.
Read more: JW excavation in Craighall Park stalls as JRA awaits work order to repair storm water pipe
Ward 74 councillor Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku visited the excavation on April 22 and said she was made aware of water gushing out of the excavation before it was completely dug up.
Corlett Drive cnr Louis Botha ave had big issue with water gushing out two weeks ago.Hole on pavement, busy intersection is now a complete Safety hazard. I’m very happy to report traffic lights are being attended to @JHBWater please attend before accidents#TrueStateofJoburg pic.twitter.com/L46K4NaJdt
— Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku (@BelindaE6) April 22, 2025
Johannesburg Water’s (JW) spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala responded to our requests for comment on April 23, saying that the excavation was as a result of a pipe burst, which the team attended to. “The burst pipe was repaired, and currently, there is no leak, but the water is coming from the sleeve pipes. We have tested the water, and are currently waiting for the test results.”
However, JW teams were also checking upstream to see if there was any burst pipe that went into the sleeve pipes.
Shabalala added that the backfilling would be completed by JW after finding the source of the water from the sleeve. “However, if the lab results indicate ground water, JW will escalate the matter to Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), as they are responsible for ground water and storm water. Tar reinstatement will also be referred to JRA.”
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Related article: Craighall Park Residents Association will persist until excavations are a thing of the past
