Homes flood twice in Sharonlea after water pipe bursts

Four properties in Sharonlea have been flooded twice in less than a month because of a recurring water leak.

A water pipe burst on Rooiels Road in September and then again in October, leading to thousands of litres of water running into the homes.

This same pipe burst once two years ago, and now with another two incidents, residents feel another burst could happen at any moment.

Unfortunately, according to Joburg Water’s acting communications manager Puleng Mopeli, this couldn’t be ruled out as the area’s infrastructure was old and consists of asbestos cement piping which breaks easily in cold weather and also deteriorates quickly over time.

“We replace about 100km per annum and… the city’s network is over 1 200km,” she said.

“It’s a work in progress.”

It is residents such as Norman Wegerle who have to endure the results of bursts until the pipes are replaced.

“The water got into our storeroom and garage and everything that was not wet the first time was wet in the second flooding,” he said.

“Carpets, paintings, storeroom stuff. Our whole wall at the back has fallen and anyone can walk onto the premises without being seen.”

Wegerle and his wife have insurance but the company has been dragging its heels in sourcing quotations for the damaged property.

Greater Sharonlea Residents Forum chairperson JC Wouters expressed frustration, not only for the residents whose homes have been flooded but also for the greater area that was without water for 20 hours after the first burst.

“Joburg water just fixes the burst pipe instead of the city replacing the AC piping,” he complained.

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