Karee and Haakdoring streets are initial sites of a project to replace water pipes.
Ward 134 councillor Wendy Alexander met with Joburg Water officials and residents at the sites on 30 May to discuss the way forward. Engineer Oarabile Mawasha explained the project would extend from Haakdoring Street to Molope Road along Karee Street.
It is estimated the project will take two months and entail decommissioning the old asbestos/concrete pipes and installing new pipes. The old pipes were bursting on a monthly basis and have been an issue for residents for years.
New water meters and valves, fire hydrants and house connections will also be installed during this time.
The first step in the project is to expose other services in the area, then trenches will be dug and the pipe bedding laid. New pipes laid on the bedding will be pressure-tested before house connections and tie-ins are made. Mawasha said residents’ water supply will be disrupted for at least a day during the project when they tie in the new pipes. Residents will be given 10 days’ notice before the disruption.
Alexander said, “I am delighted I was able to motivate this project and have the budget approved. Getting emergency status for this issue helped the project become a reality.”
ALSO READ:
Final verdict not in for Karee Street water pipes
UPDATE: Karee Street pipes escalated to emergency status