Nombuso Shabalala, spokesperson for Johannesburg Water confirmed that they have completed the repairs of the water leak on Republic Road outside the Ferndale on Republic shopping centre.
However, they cannot backfill the site yet, because there is a damaged storm water pipe that needs to be repaired by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA).
“There was a water pipe leak that needed to be repaired, however, after excavating, the Johannesburg Water team found that there were storm water pipes that were built over the water pipes. This caused a delay in the repairing of the pipe. After the storm water pipe is repaired, then the site can be backfilled and reinstated.”
Read more: JW still needs still needs approval before repairs can be made
She added that in the meantime, they have met with the management of the shopping centre to discuss possible ways of managing and improving traffic flow in the interim.
The lane that turns into the shopping centre is completely affected by the rubble and that causes traffic congestion and delays.
Sihle Bhengu, marketing director of Ferndale on Republic, explained the issue has negatively impacted businesses as it is a challenge to enter the shopping centre.
“There has been no communication yet regarding a possible/ estimated time agreement. Ferndale On Republic has appointed security guards to guide the traffic, cones have been used to split the road for an entrance and exit and signage has been put up for the safety of our shoppers.”
She added that their shoppers are most amazingly loyal to their favourite community shopping centre. She hopes for the work to get completed, for the road as well as their gardens to be reinstated as soon as possible.
Also read: JW investigate leak on Agnes Road
“Our neighbours, Mercury Hotel, have also been affected negatively since the sand was dumped, blocking their entrance to access the hotel. We hope that this will be sorted soon.”
The burst happened around July 24. It took about 3–4 weeks for the entity to fix the burst with constant pressure from businesses and Ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman.
Harman explained that Joburg Water keeps saying that JRA needs to attend to this backfill and at present nothing is being done and no responsibility is being taken.
“Mercure Hotel and Ferndale on Republic have been affected. They are not responding to requests to backfill and restore the area to a liveable condition. They should have backfilled three days after the repair and worked alongside JRA to find a solution rather than do nothing.”
She added that bursts and leaks issues are unfortunately more common than not in Ward 102. “The turnaround time or Service Level Agreements (SLA) are not being adhered to with some matters left for up to weeks. It takes constant escalations, reminders and of late, referring either to the regional director or the city manager to get matters addressed.”
JRA was sent questions about the storm water pipe and when it will be fixed but had not replied by the time of going to print.
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