Illovo residents demand action as Johannesburg Water leaves road excavation unrepaired since October
An open excavation site, left unattended for months, has sparked frustration among Illovo residents, who say the damaged road is unsafe and harming the image of their neighbourhood.
Illovo residents are calling on Johannesburg Water to urgently repair a section of Oxford Road, opposite Illovo Junction, that has been left damaged since October 2025.
They say the unfinished work poses a safety risk and reflects poorly on nearby properties.
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The excavation site, which appears to have been opened for water-related repairs, remains partially exposed, with broken tar, loose rubble, and visible infrastructure beneath the surface.
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: The excavation site left Joburg Water in Illovo on February 11, 2026. Video: Duduzile Khumalo #Sandton #JW ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Temporary barriers have been placed around the area, but community members say this is not enough. According to Nolwazi Ndaba, one of those community members, the site has remained in the same condition for months, with no visible signs of ongoing work. “It has been like this since last year. Nothing is happening. It is dangerous for cars and for people walking past. It also doesn’t look good for our properties.”
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She adds that she is not the only one who is frustrated by this, as well as the lack of communication regarding when repairs will be completed.
We sent Johannesburg Water questions about the repairs, and we will update once they respond.
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