Ward 74 councillor, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, remains frustrated that the 10-year-old leak on Fort Street in Illovo is taking long to be attended to, although Johannesburg Water and the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) have finally given the matter attention.
A reporter met with the councillor and the acting head of the Corlett Drive Improvement Precinct, Mark Pencharz, on February 11, where Pencharz detailed the deterioration and erosion of the road by the longstanding leak.
“This leak’s been around for 10 to 15 years that I’ve noticed, and it’s a serious leak that changes from being a dribble to a flow, has eroded the roads systematically over time, adding to what looks like urban decay,” he noted.
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Kayser-Echeozonjoku, on February 24, confirmed to the publication that JRA and Johannesburg Water assessed the leaking site after numerous unsuccessful reports to the entities over the years.
“Johannesburg Water inspectors attended the site last week and submitted water samples for laboratory testing. The results confirm that the water is groundwater.”
The Ward 74 councillor added that JRA advised that the area had a high-water table, which presented subsoil drainage challenges.
“JRA inspectors will be conducting further assessments and will work toward implementing a solution.” The publication reached out to JRA and Johannesburg Water for further comment, and the article will be updated with their response.
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