Another water leak on Van Buuren Road frustrates locals

Another water leak in Bedfordview has caused havoc for motorists.

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The ongoing leak on Van Buuren Road (N3 flyover) contributes to its poor condition.

Fixing the potholes cannot be done because of the flooding, which has been a long-standing matter for months, according to Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys.

Humphreys said the water that floods the area was a problem for many months, and it recently worsened.

“Sanral has repaired the potholes there four times in the last six months, but until the water flooding stops, there is no point in doing it again because it just disintegrates.

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“The Better Bedfordview community group also repaired the potholes there, but nothing could withstand the excessive water on the site.

“It is known that the area is/was the spring where the Oriel Stream originated,” said Humphreys.

Given the amount of water and the strength of the flow, Humphreys suspects another burst pipe is contributing to the flow.

She said testing for chlorine was done, and the results confirmed the water was chlorine-free.

“We have consulted with a geotechnical engineer, who indicated that despite the water being chlorine-free if it is flowing through dense soil, the chlorine may be filtered out.

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“I have requested that the valves in the area be closed off to observe the flow rate. If it reduces, it could point to a burst.

“As an interim measure, the road is partially barricaded to protect motorists from the worst of the potholes until the issue can be resolved,” she added.

Sanral had not replied by the time of going to print.