Bryanston records 217 pipe bursts in two months as water crisis deepens
Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackelford says ageing infrastructure and repeated pipe failures are disrupting water supply across the suburb.
Johannesburg Water says a total of 217 pipe bursts and repair incidents have been recorded in the Bryanston area since April 2026, including duplicate reports.
This follows growing frustration among Bryanston residents as recurring pipe bursts continue to disrupt water supply across several streets, with Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackleford describing the situation as Groundhog Day. Speaking during a recent site visit with the publication on St Audley Road, Shackelford said the area has experienced repeated infrastructure failures in recent weeks, with residents left without consistent water supply for about 30 days. “We were just, not even a month ago, on Ballyclare Drive reporting the old infrastructure, Johannesburg Water infrastructure in Bryanston, and the ongoing issues that we’ve been having. This is another great example. I’m in St Audley Road. This is the, I think, the fourth burst or repair since May 3.”
Read more: 217 pipe burst incidents recorded in Bryanston since April, says Johannesburg Water
Shackelford added that nearby roads have experienced similar problems, including Westbourne Road, where she said four or five bursts had occurred since mid-April, while Bantry Road and Hobart Road had also experienced repeated leaks and repairs. “The problem with this is this means that Bryanston, and a lot of the residents in the area, has been without constant water for 30 days. Each time it happens, there’s this pressure. When Johannesburg Water turns water back on, we have a pressure issue in the area and another burst comes.
“Johannesburg Water needs to start focussing on the Bryanston areas and the old infrastructure. They need to come up with a plan.”
She added that residents should use the City of Johannesburg’s integrated development plan (IDP) participation process to make their concerns known. “We’re in the middle of putting our budgets together for this. I hope the residents participate in the City of Johannesburg’s IDP process, and tell Johannesburg Water what you’re looking for.”
Resident Lucas Ntuli said: “The water issue is a big problem here in Bryanston. Two or three days don’t pass without us having a pipe burst. Then, when they fix here, another pipe burst happens on another street. I think Johannesburg Water need to change the old pipes and put new ones because I believe these bursts are due to the ageing infrastructure.”
Also read: Johannesburg Water confirms aging pipelines cause of water disruptions in Bryanston
“Johannesburg Water is aware that pressure surges following water restoration can contribute to repeat pipe failures,” Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said. “To mitigate this, air release procedures are implemented during the restoration process to reduce pressure build-up and help prevent re-bursts. These measures are currently proving effective.”
Responding to concerns about ageing infrastructure replacement or an upgrade programme for ageing water pipes in Bryanston, she said they had submitted work requests for the replacement of ageing water pipes in the affected areas, to address the recurring bursts. “This matter has been referred to the planning department for information regarding the infrastructure replacement and upgrade programme, including timelines and budget allocations.”
Shabalala added that Johannesburg Water aims to repair burst pipes within 48 hours. “In cases where repairs cannot be completed within the prescribed timeframe, water tankers are deployed to provide temporary water supply to affected residents while repairs are underway.”
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
