Parkmore sinkhole crisis traced to borehole, not Johannesburg Water pipes
The long-awaited joint site inspection between Johannesburg Roads Agency and Johannesburg Water has brought long-overdue clarity, identifying the origin of the water that continues to erode Parkmore roads.
The long-running Parkmore sinkhole crisis and persistent water flow of water through its streets may soon come to an end.
Recent water tests have confirmed that the water causing road damage comes from a borehole.
This development follows a joint site inspection conducted by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and Johannesburg Water (JW) on April 9, after months of frustration from residents over what they described as officials passing the buck while the situation worsened.
Read more: Female JMPD officer assaulted during borehole pre-inspection in Sandhurst
During a joint site inspection, officials assessed the most severe damage currently visible at the corner of 4th Street and Victoria Avenue, where a stormwater drain issue has evolved into a big hole that is spreading into the roadway.
It is suspected that the water causing the damage could be flowing down from the upper roads – Victoria Avenue, and 5th and 6th streets.
As part of the investigation processes, JW collected water samples from 5th and 6th streets to determine whether the water flowing comes from municipal pipelines.
JW Zandfontein North depot water section manager Usher Hadebe said the test results from 5th and 6th streets align with earlier findings.
Also read: Replacement borehole pump eases Sandton SPCA water crises
“We have received results for 5th and 6th streets, and I can confirm that it is borehole water. This is the same as on 4th Street, where we have a borehole which is pouring water onto the street, and which residents have been complaining about.”
The results of the samples taken in 2016 and 2018, on 4th Street and Victoria Avenue, determined that the water comes from a borehole. Therefore, this is not a JW issue.”
When the publication asked JRA what the next steps would be following confirmation of the water source, the acting head of operations at JRA, Mpho Maruping, said, “The response remains the same as what we said during the visit.
“JRA needs to excavate as part of our assessments. Then ensure the water is diverted accordingly. This week’s scheduled work is on hold for today because of the rain. Further developments will be communicated during the course of this week.”
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
