After weeks of safety concerns and visible excavation, Joburg Water (JW) officially completed backfilling work at the long-dug site on 84 Katherine Street on July 22, clearing the way for the next phase of reinstatement.

The site had remained exposed due to delays caused by a burst water pipe and subsequent damage to underground fibre cables, which were identified as belonging to Dark Fibre Africa.

JW spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala confirmed that the backfilling has been completed and said, “ Now, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) will be completing the reinstatement, or tar resurfacing.”

Read more: Fibre repaired on Katherine Street, Johannesburg Water to begin backfilling

While the visible hazards have been addressed, Ward 91 councillor Andrew Stewart remains concerned about broader systemic issues with how reinstatements are managed in the city.

“The issue of reinstatements has been a headache for councillors for a long time. The backlog of reinstatements is only one part of the problem; the other is the quality or sloppiness of the reinstatement work, particularly when residents have spent money on trying to beautify a sidewalk or verge.”

He added that miscommunication between departments often exacerbates delays.
“Johannesburg Water will leave any tarring work for JRA, but often does not tell them about it. With regards to 84 Katherine Street, I am going to refer the matter to Region E CRUM for internal follow-up with JW.”

Sandton Chronicle reached out to JRA for a comment, and updates will be provided once they become available.

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