Morell Road is left a mess for two years after burst pipe and sinkhole
BLAIRGOWRIE – Sinkhole follows burst pipe as road is left a mess for two years.
A burst pipe-turned-sinkhole has left a stretch of Morell Road, Blairgowrie, torn up for more than two years, but it is expected to be cleared by the end of June.
Initially only one section of the road was taped off for work, but after Joburg Water eventually repaired the pipe about a month ago and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) was given instructions to repair the road, it was discovered there was a sinkhole, and a second section of the road collapsed.
“JRA had an issue getting its reinstatement first sorted out because a sinkhole appeared,” said Ward 99 councillor, Nicole van Dyk.
“But before that, Joburg Water replaced the pipe and water is being supplied in the meantime.”
JRA communications officer Mosa Makhalima explained that the storm water pipe, made of corrugated steel, was first damaged outside 37 Morell Road.
“The appointed contractor has since replaced the pipe with a concrete pipe from outside 37 Morell up to the corner of Susman [Avenue], and backfilled the pipe, with two junction boxes already constructed.
“The outstanding works include the cover slab, already manufactured – in a curing period, should be delivered on site next week. [Also there is] rehabilitation of the road surface.”
Makhalima believes all this should be completed by 1 July, as per the contractor’s programme.
