A burst pipe that wasted thousands of litres of water for more than a year has finally been shut off on 5th Road, Kew, but it left behind a gaping hole in the road that now blocks almost an entire lane.

Ward 81 councillor Joanne Horowitz said the site has been in a bad state for so long that the leak was hidden under thick vegetation.

Read more: Repairs underway at Gibson Drive leak site, months after initial excavation

“This was not just a drip; it was streaming out water.”

Horowitz added that residents only realised the pipe was still leaking when a community leader raised the alarm last week.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Ward 81 councillor Joanne Horwitz speaks about the situation on 5th Road, Kew. #Ward81 #pipeleakage ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“I logged it immediately and escalated it to the regional director. It still took four days to switch off the valve.”

She added that the area’s pipes are disintegrating one by one, posing serious hazards.

“This hole is dangerous if someone is distracted or under the influence; they could crash right into it.”

Joburg Water has been contacted for comment, and an update will be provided once they respond.

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