Fontainebleau experiences water and electricity woes after City Power digs into a water pipe
The response to the incident was also delayed because of the municipality's fleet contract expiration, Ward councillor says.
Fontainebleau residents were hit with a double-whammy after a City Power contractor – while trying to resolve an electricity outage – dug into a water pipe to cause thousands of litres of water to run down the road, and result in a water outage in the area for a couple of days.
Going without electricity and running water while seeing what can be described as a nigh on a flood gush down Elise Road, left residents unhappy.
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Ward 104 councillor, Emi Koekemoer was on top of the matter and escalated it from the beginning.
“[It took] a while the Joburg Water fleet contract expired just like MMC Leah Knott predicted in October, so Joburg water and JRA is without a non-specialised fleet,” she told Randburg Sun, explaining the delay in response.
“Joburg water… opened the hydrants to clear the pipes as well.”
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Koekemoer posted photos and a video of the site on her Twitter page, warning residents to avoid the flooded road for the time being.
VIDEO: https://twitter.com/emi_koekemoer/status/1593146642102112256
Joburg Water’s acting communications head, Puleng Mopeli apologised to residents for the delay and said no estimated completion time could be given to them.
“The damaged main has been exposed and removed at 66 Elise Road, Fontainebleau. Relevant materials will be delivered to the site later this afternoon. Repairs will commence thereafter.
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An alternate water supply is being provided through mobile tankers to affected areas.
Further updates will be provided to customers.
There is no estimated completion time at this stage.
ALSO READ: Fontainebleau experiences water and electricity woes after City Power digs into a water pipe
City Power spokespeople, Isaac Mangena and Bongani Mavundla were contacted by Randburg Sun, and questions sent to them about this matter.
Their comments will be published when they are made.
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