City Power, Joburg Water and other municipal services are often villified and despised.
“People are forever complaining about bad service delivery,” Northcliff resident Michael Benn said on 8 September.
Benn, however, believes municipal services are improving, and wanted to share his positive experience with Joburg Water.
“On 4 September, just after 0.30am I heard a strange gushing sound, similar to that of a churning washing machine,” he said.
“Motivated by my curiosity, I inspected and found that a water supply mains in the road had sprung a leak and thousand of litres were flowing into the nearby storm water drain.”
Benn said he debated who to call regarding the issue. “Ghost busters, the Fire Brigade or Johannesburg Water?”” he joked.
“The last two being related to the council did not bring any positive emotions, but I decided to call Joburg Water and found myself impatiently listening to the menu options without expecting much, but a friendly voice – operator Selati – answered the call.”
Benn explained the problem and that new water pipes were being laid in Northcliff Extension 12.
The following morning the neighbourhood’s water had been shut down. Two maintenance crews were assessing the situation.
“The cause was that an existing valve joint had collapsed,” Benn explained.
“It had nothing to do with the new piping installation. One front loader and two crews worked for 18 hours to solve the complex issue and the water was flowing again. I wanted to publicly say ‘Job well done’. The issue was solved, and my faith in service delivery is restored. I want to thank Joburg Water and everyone involved.”
