Pipe burst fallout leaves businesses in limbo

An ongoing infrastructure crisis on Wynberg’s 5th Street has left local businesses grappling with up to a 40% decline in monthly turnover.

There seems to be no resolution in sight since an underground pipe burst occurred roughly 10 days before the May 2024 elections.

Almost a year later, the situation remains unresolved, and minimal communication from Joburg Water (JW) has only added to the frustration.

The burst pipe initially disrupted water services but quickly escalated into a full-blown crisis due to the lack of communication and continuous delays in addressing the issue.

Also read: Sandton residents endure sewage nightmare as Joburg Water delays repair

Ward 91 councillor Andrew Stewart and regional management have been pushing for a resolution, but their efforts have been met with vague promises from JW.

“The utility’s decision to change its technical approach midway through the process, without informing the public or relevant stakeholders, has added to the confusion. Moreover, Joburg Water required the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to step in to assist with repairs, but even this has become a point of contention.”

He added JRA initially provided a cost estimate of R2 million for repairs, but this was revised to R3 million after a breakdown of the costs was submitted.

“However, Joburg Water has contested this amount, further stalling the resolution. This situation has reached an impasse, with no apparent urgency to address the ongoing damage.”

Stewart has been outspoken about the lack of accountability from those responsible for the delay.

Also read: Joburg Water announces temporary water shutdown in Sandton and surrounds

“We have been pushing tirelessly for answers, but we are met with silence and finger-pointing. The businesses are suffering, and this inaction is unacceptable. It has been almost a year, and we still have no clear timeline or commitment to fix the issue. The economic impact is huge, and people are losing hope.”

In response, JRA provided an update regarding the ongoing repair process and its efforts to resolve the issue.

Khayalethu Gqibitole, the head of regional operations at JRA, clarified that the R3 million quote was based on an initial cost estimate provided after a comprehensive geological and topographical survey of the damaged section.

“The quotation originally submitted to Joburg Water is still pegged at just over R2 million,” said Gqibitole. “This estimate was calculated based on the site conditions at the time of the assessment. It is important to note that the breakdown of costs is strictly for the parties involved and reflects the complexities of the work required.”

Gqibitole explained that the revised R3 million figure included considerations for the ongoing deterioration of the site, although no further adjustments have been made to the initial quote.

“Currently, the site remains under Joburg Water’s control, and we are unable to provide a definitive repair timeline until we officially take over the site. JRA can only begin planning and assigning timelines once all administrative and compliance issues have been finalised and approved by Joburg Water.”

While the repair works cannot commence until all approvals are in place, Gqibitole assured that JRA was actively engaging with Joburg Water to expedite this process.

“The JRA understands the concerns of business owners and residents. We are actively engaging with Joburg Water to resolve any outstanding obligations and ensure the project proceeds swiftly.”

He also assured the public that regular progress updates would be provided once the project moves forward.

When asked about the coordination between JRA and Joburg Water, Gqibitole said, “The JRA is in active discussions with Joburg Water to ensure that all the necessary hurdles are cleared so that repairs can begin as soon as possible.”

Also read: JRA explains responsibility and recovery process of damaged traffic lights

In response to the ongoing economic hardship faced by businesses on 5th Street, Gqibitole offered potential solutions to mitigate the disruption.

“The JRA can assist by identifying and communicating alternative routes for business owners and their customers in the area. We typically provide these updates through media advisories and social media platforms to keep the public informed.”

The publication sent Joburg Water questions regarding the underground pipe burst, requesting an update on repairs, the delay in addressing the issue, and improved communication.

We also inquired about the change in technical approach after several months, reasons for disputing JRA’s cost estimate, and openness to a third-party audit. Additionally, we asked about actions to mitigate economic losses for local businesses, a definitive resolution timeline, and Joburg Water’s commitment to meeting deadlines to prioritise the repair.

In response to these concerns, Joburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala raised a question regarding whether a reference number for the pipe burst had been obtained and whether there was proof to support the allegations made about the technical approach, costs, and business losses.

She stated that a comprehensive response could be provided once the information was confirmed.

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