A water leak on 9th Road in Kew has been running for more than two weeks, leaving residents frustrated and raising questions about Johannesburg’s ability to deal with basic infrastructure issues.

The leak, which appears to be seeping from a damaged utility cover near the kerb, has caused water to stream down the road, creating muddy patches and raising concerns about further damage to the street surface.

Read more: Bryanston resident left frustrated by Johannesburg Water’s sewage leak response

Residents flagged the matter on the Ward 81 community group chat earlier this month, urging Johannesburg Water (JW) to act.

Also read: Sewage leaks threaten Sandspruit River’s vital ecosystem

JW confirmed, on September 7, that it had received notice of the issue. Spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said: “We have noted your query and are liaising with the relevant depot to get more information for you. JW will respond within our standard turnaround time of 48 hours, depending on the complexity of the matter and the input required from relevant technical departments.”

Since then, JW has taped off the area, but no repair work has been completed. The leak continues to flow, wasting clean water.

Further attempts to obtain an update have hit a dead end, as emails sent on September 18 requesting clarity on when repairs will be made remain unanswered.

Shabalala is currently out of the office, until September 26, while another spokesperson, Nolwazi Dhlamini, is on leave until September 25.

Sandton Chronicle will revert with more information as soon as we receive it.

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