Pipe burst disrupts Bryanston dump site operations
An unknown contractor’s digging caused major water damage at the Bryanston Pikitup dump site, prompting a partial closure and residents' frustration.
Some residents in Bryanston have faced disruptions at the local Pikitup dump site, following a water pipe burst caused by unauthorised digging on the premises.
The site, located near Hobart Road, was partially closed in recent weeks, prompting concern and confusion among users.
According to Johannesburg Water (JW) spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala, an unknown contractor was working at the Pikitup dump site without a wayleave, and is the one who caused the pipe burst, as they dug right on top of the water pipeline.
She said that JW was alerted by Pikitup as soon as the incident occurred. “All repairs to the pipe burst have been completed. The contractor [who caused the burst] is no longer on site. They abandoned the works, and Pikitup is currently in the process of tracing them.”
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Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi provided further clarity on the situation and confirmed the site’s operational status. “Pikitup confirms that the site was partially closed due to ongoing work. However, residents have still been able to dispose of their waste, since the gate on Hobart Road was opened on April 4. This access allowed residents, and private customers, to use the large containers provided for dumping refuse.”
The pipe burst, Mkhwanazi explained, led to flooding of trenches that had been dug by an Eskom contractor, addressing a separate electrical issue. To address the resulting damage, Mkhwanazi said: “The Eskom contractor has been engaged to close the trenches to allow work to continue.”
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As for a timeline on the full reopening of the site, Mkhwanazi said: “Efforts are underway to restore the site to full operation. Pikitup is working with both Eskom and JW to resolve the issues affecting the site’s efficiency. Although the problem is beyond Pikitup’s control, the company is doing everything possible to ensure the site is fully functional soon.”
In the meantime, he pointed out that alternative disposal options have been made available. “Garden service providers have been advised to dispose of garden waste at the Woodmead Garden Site, or Linbro Park.”
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