Questions abound over Morningside’s water infrastructure, after six bursts in one week on Redhill Road
Six pipe bursts in a week along Redhill Road in Morningside have reignited concerns over ageing asbestos pipes, with Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackelford calling on Johannesburg Water to move beyond temporary repairs.
Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackelford has renewed her call for Johannesburg Water (JW) to urgently replace ageing water infrastructure in Morningside, after a series of pipe bursts left residents without water for days.
During her site visit at Redhill Road with the Sandton Chronicle on June 26, Shackelford said the area is experiencing a repeat of the crisis that plagued residents during 2022 and 2023, when more than 22 pipe bursts occurred along the same stretch of road. “It seems to be starting again. Residents are extremely frustrated about this.
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“Just in the last week, we’ve had six bursts along this smaller road within the Morningside area, with only a few houses, but the pipe bursts are affecting all the surrounding areas. Residents go days without water because of pipe bursts.”
According to Shackelford, while pressure fluctuations are contributing to the failures, the underlying problem is ageing infrastructure. “These pipes are the old, asbestos pipes. This road has been on my integrated development plan since 2022 for a pipe replacement. I know JW at my depot submitted this road as a concern through to their head office, but we’re getting no feedback.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackelford says repeated pipe bursts on Redhill Road in Morningside are the result of ageing asbestos infrastructure, not just water pressure. After six bursts in one week, she is calling on Johannesburg Water to prioritise long-term pipe replacement and provide residents with clear answers and lasting solutions. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #Ward103 #Pipeleak #Johannesburgwater ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
She added that the recent efforts by JW to resolve pressure issues in nearby Summit Drive may have shifted pressure onto Redhill Road, contributing to the latest series of bursts. “In the surrounding area, in the last month, we’ve had a massive pressure problem up on Summit Drive. They’ve done investigations there. They did manage to get the pressure right, but now it has started to burst on Redhill Road.”
She added that the problem extends beyond Redhill Road. Last night, they had another burst at Sander Close. Shackleford said JW has agreed to investigate pressure in the area, but she believes pressure adjustments alone will not solve the recurring problem. “JW has agreed to do an investigation of the pressure in this area. However, even if they get the pressure done correctly, the infrastructure is old here, from the valve system to the pipe systems.
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“We really need to get budget. We really need to have a look at the bigger problem areas. JW needs to start looking at, not just the burst pipes, but what is it affecting the greater community.”
Shackelford said residents deserve clear communication and long-term solutions. “We need JW to step up and we need answers. I need to come back to my residents and say to them this is a solution, but it’s got to come from JW.”
The publication reached out to JW for a comment on June 25. JW acknowledged the enquiry saying, “Johannesburg Water will provide a response within our standard turnaround time of 24 to 48 hours, depending on the complexity of the matter and input required from the relevant technical department.” Updates will be provided once they are available.
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