Complex residents boil over leak
La Piazza residents say a Johannesburg Water pipe outside their complex has repeatedly failed, turning their entrance into a construction site.
Residents at the La Piazza complex in Rivonia are boiling over Johannesburg Water’s (JW) silence and continued delays in permanently repairing a leaking water pipe outside their complex.
According to the residents, the same leak has exploded three times over the last three years. One of the residents, Leigh Griffiths, said: “On previous occasions, Johannesburg water came back to fix and replace the soil so the garden could be replanted. The pipe burst again in December last year, and this time they left it open with a slow leak on the join of the pipe.”
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Another resident, Zonia Bill, said despite numerous reports to JW, and Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackelford, they are still waiting for a permanent solution. “We have escalated to Johannesburg Water, even the councillor of our area, and nothing has been done.
“[Johannesburg Water] told us we have to drain the water out for them to be able to do the backfilling. We don’t really think it is our duty to drain the water. Our plumbers have told us they cannot fix it, it’s all up to Johannesburg Water to fix that.”
Griffiths said that the leak is causing underground instability to the paving in the complex, and that the water is seeping up under the paving and also flowing underground and flooding the gardens. “The adjacent boundary wall foundation may also be unstable due to the continued water logging in the area caused by the ongoing leak.”
Shackleford confirmed that she is aware of the issue and has been repeatedly escalating it with JW. “This has been escalated by residents. It was escalated by me in 2025, and during the course of 2026. [Johannesburg Water] tried to come in and backfill the area in March this year, but, unfortunately, the backfilling was stopped as it is still leaking. At present, I have not received any response from Johannesburg Water with regard to the ongoing issue.”
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The Sandton Chronicle sent a media enquiry to JW on July 24, requesting comment on the matter. JW spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala responded on July 27, saying: “Johannesburg Water is aware of the reported leak. Investigations confirmed that the issue was caused by a burst 100mm AC pipe, and repairs were attended to on July 22.” However, when the publication visited the site on July 24, the excavation remained open and water was still visible inside the hole.
A follow-up enquiry was sent to JW on July 28, to clarify the contradiction between its response and conditions observed at the site. Follow up enquiries were sent to JW on July 29, 31, and August 3, however, no updates had been received by the time of print. Updates will be provided once they become available.
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