Repairs underway at Gibson Drive leak site, months after initial excavation
After months of delays, JRA says repair work has started at the Gibson Drive West and Fife Street intersection, but residents say the slow progress and ongoing water leak are unacceptable.
Residents of Buccleuch called on Johannesburg Water (JW) and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to urgently address unresolved infrastructure issues that have persisted since February 2024.
A road excavation, at the corner of Gibson Drive West and Fife Street, initially undertaken by JW, remains incomplete, with a persistent water leak flowing directly into the Jukskei River.
Despite multiple follow-ups by ward councillor Lori Coogan and community members, repairs have not been finalised, prompting frustration over what locals describe as: ‘second-class service’, to residents living at the lower end of the street.
Also read: Gibson Drive sinks from neglect
According to Nombuso Shabalala, JW spokesperson, JRA will be the one responding to all the questions sent to them.
Khayalethu Gqibitole, HOD of Regional Operations at JRA, said the leaking JW water valve has caused a delay in scheduling the repairs. “The leaking JW water valve needs to be isolated so we may be able to reinstate the footway and the road.”
Gqibitole pointed out that the area has been barricaded, however, repairs have commenced whilst working closely with JW to ensure that a quality job is delivered.
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