While water is back on in Randpark Ridge, Bromhof, Boskruin, Strijdom Park, Sonneglans and Kelly Ridge following the repair of a burst water pipe next to Suikerbos Avenue, Randpark Ridge, on 2 July, other residents have to deal with the results of flooding.
The pipe was first installed on 20 June, following its 35-year-old predecessor’s burst, but the new replacement burst on 30 June.
It was fixed on the morning of 2 July – but water was turned on only late that evening; and in fact the pipe is still leaking.
Properties in Suikerbos Avenue were flooded by the burst and families, including the Greves and Knevitts, now face cleaning up the mud and debris.
The Knevitts were the less fortunate, as water completely flooded the inside of their house.
Peter and Sandy Knevitt explained that the water level was between 5 and 8cm high, ruining their floors and carpets, and leaving mud behind.
They are staying at Sandy’s mother’s house while they wait for workers to replace affected furniture and flooring.
They believe that Johannesburg Water workers did not install the pipe correctly on 20 June, claiming that they failed to compact the ground underneath the pipe which led it to sink and burst.
The pipe is still leaking water into their property.
Thousands of residents were left without running water and had to retrieve water from water tanks provided by Johannesburg Water at certain locations.
Bromhof resident Keneth Herold said that he waited in one queue for water for about 30 minutes.
Questions were sent to Johannesburg Water spokesperson Millicent Kabwe regarding the cause of the second burst, why water could not be turned on during the day on 2 July and whether anything had been done to ensure the pipe will not burst again.
Details: Johannesburg Water 011 375 5555.
