Infrastructure project sparks outrage among Buccleuch residents over delays and damage

Buccleuch residents have voiced growing frustration over electricity infrastructure works linked to Balwin Properties’ Munyaka development.

Residents cited months of disruption, damage to municipal services, and concerns about the safety and security of the community.
The project, which involves installing electricity infrastructure through the suburb to supply the large residential development on the other side of Buccleuch, has left residents grappling with trenches, damaged verges and gardens, and sections of road affected by construction.

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During the Sandton Chronicle site visit on October 15, residents Andrew McMurray and Peter Cole said the prolonged work has disrupted daily life, including pedestrian movement, motorists, and children walking to and from the local primary school.

“This has been going on for over four months now,” said McMurray. “It’s not acceptable, it has left our suburb looking a shambles and for it to have lasted four months now, it’s totally unacceptable.” He said he had liaised with the contractor and Balwin Properties, who admitted there had been a distinct lack of communication regarding the project.

Cole echoed these concerns, describing the damage caused by the construction as extensive. “This has damaged water pipes, electrical cables, and storm water pipes,” he said. “It’s been enormous, and I think Balwin needs to take some responsibility, particularly for relaying all the grass and reinstating the gardens once this project is finished.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: Buccleuch residents Andrew McMurray, Peter Cole and Madeleine Zwaneveld voice their frustration over prolonged electricity infrastructure works linked to Balwin Properties’ Munyaka development, while Balwin says the project is expected to be completed by mid-January 2027. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #Electricity #Balwin #Munyaka ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Another resident, Madeleine Zwaneveld, also raised concerns about security, saying that in the last two weeks they had several house break-ins. “We were one of the affected parties and there’s been cable theft,” said Zwaneveld. “The people have had their bins stolen. One of the worries is that they’re using the bins as a stepping stone to get over walls and fences.” She added that the partially open trenches could potentially hide gangs.

Responding to the concerns, Balwin Properties Johannesburg general manager Jaco Strydom said the electricity infrastructure works formed part of an upgrade to Eskom’s broader distribution network.

According to Strydom, the project is expected to benefit Buccleuch residents through a stronger and more reliable electricity supply, while also providing infrastructure to supply Balwin’s Munyaka development. “The upgrade will increase the number of electricity feeders from five to seven, reducing the load on individual feeders and potentially reducing the frequency of outages in the suburb,” Strydom said.

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He explained that the route had been considered and approved by Eskom’s relevant technical divisions, including its design review team and technical evaluation forum. “Eskom retains technical authority over the project,” he said, adding that the construction commenced in April and the contractor expects to conclude its activities in Buccleuch and vacate the area by mid-January 2027.

He noted this timeline is subject to unforeseen delays arising from Eskom’s technical requirements or previously unidentified underground services.

Acknowledging the inconvenience caused to the surrounding community, Strydom said Balwin recognised that infrastructure projects of this nature could disrupt residents’ daily routines. “Following confirmation from the project team that Eskom approval to proceed has been received, the contractor has been directed to prioritise the remaining trenching work and reinstatement of affected verges, paving, and driveways,” Strydom said.

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