Fibre repaired on Katherine Street, Johannesburg Water to begin backfilling
While Vumatel confirmed that they were not responsible for the damaged fibre cables at the long-excavated Katherine Street, and that they belonged to Dark Fibre Africa, they did confirm that repairs have been completed.
After weeks of disruption and uncertainty, fibre repairs at the excavation site on Katherine Street have been completed, clearing the way for Johannesburg Water (JW) to begin reinstatement work by the end of the week.
Residents in the area have been living with exposed infrastructure, water leaks, and safety hazards caused by the prolonged excavation, initially triggered by a burst water pipe.
Read more: Long-standing excavation at 84 Katherine Street leaves residents high and dry
JW spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said work was delayed further when fibre cables beneath the site were accidentally damaged during repairs.
While early communication from JW indicated that the fibre cables belonged to Vumatel, the company has now clarified that it is not their infrastructure.
Vumatel, through its public relations agency said, “The exposed cables on Katherine Street belong to Dark Fibre Africa (DFA), as well as other fibre network providers. No Vumatel infrastructure is present at this location.”
Although Vumatel was not directly involved, they maintain open communication with JW and were kept informed of the situation. “The DFA maintenance teams were onsite, and the repairs were completed. JW may proceed with reinstatement work as planned.”
Shabalala confirmed the update, stating that the utility is now ready to move forward. “Backfilling will be conducted by the end of the week.”
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