Properties flooded and thousands of residents were left without running water on 30 June when a section of a water pipeline on Suikerbos Avenue, Randpark Ridge, burst only 10 days after having been replaced.
The pipe delivers fresh, potable water to the suburbs of Bromhof, Randpark Ridge, Boskruin, Strijdom Park, Sonneglans and Kelly Ridge.
When it first burst on 17 June, residents had to use imaginative methods to source water while three dry days passed, as we reported on the front page of last week’s edition.
Johannesburg Water spokesperson Millicent Kabwe could not yet verify what the cause of the latest burst was, although workers who are on scene pointed out a hole in the newly-installed pipe.
The latest burst caused water to stream into properties on Suikerbos Avenue, and Molope Road was “like a river”, residents said.
The next day, a layer of mud and debris could still be seen in Suikerbos Avenue – gardens and houses were left in a mess.
Water flowed into Les Greves’ property, knocking his gate out of position, and turning his garden and swimming pool a muddy brown.
His daughter, Sheralee Greves, said that the water level reached knee-height during the night.
The water did not enter his house, fortunately.
What is believed to be the most affected property belongs to a family thought to be on holiday at the moment, where residents saw the water flooding into the house.
Kabwe added that residents whose properties were affected could visit their nearest Johannesburg Water depot or report the matter telephonically for an investigation into whether they could be compensated or not.
Resident Daryn Jackson reported that when he drove on Molope Road on 30 June, the water level was 40cm high and “splashed up onto the windscreen” of his 4×4.
Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau said that he had asked Johannesburg Water to supply water tanks to residents.
Water tanks have subsequently been provided and can be found at:
- Rand Park High school
- Corner Molope Road and Suikerbos Avenue
- Corner Beyers Naudé Drive and Molope Road petrol station
- Corner Randpark Drive and Ysterhout Drive
- Corner C.R. Swart Drive and Tin Road
- Corner Ysterhout Drive and President Fouche Drive – outside Rhema Church and near petrol station.
- Malanshof Spar along Hans Schoeman Street.
Details: Johannesburg Water 011 375 55 55, Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau 084 572 4002.