Fourways residents are frustrated as more than 100 water pipe bursts since June.
This bursts affected so many residents as it restricted water supply to their homes and disfigured the area.
According to Ward 115 councillor Chris Santana, the irregular water supply is as a result of failing asbestos and cement pipes.
“The residents are frustrated because this has become an everyday problem. The area is starting to look a mess because of the many holes.”
“The issue is that the pipes cannot handle the water pressure,” said Santana.
He said the city of Johannesburg had always been quick to respond to the frequent bursts but no permanent solution was provided.
“We have been trying to get a lot of things fixed, like potholes,” he added.
ANOTHER DAY OF WAKING UP AND NOT BEING ABLE TO HAVE A SHOWER. IT IS NOW OFFICIALLY A WEEK WHERE THERES NO WATER IN THE TAP IN THE MORNING!!!!!! What the F are you guys doing!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT IS THE UPDATE ON THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Graeme (@Graeme94524560) September 23, 2020
I tell you, it is RIDICULOUS!!!! Having a proper shower in the morning has become a luxury that never comes in this @CityofJoburgZA It is the craziest phenomenon. Douglasdale and Water are like North and South….It is a SHAME @CityofJoburgZA & @JHBWater
— Hlakaniphile Guma (@HlakaniphileG) September 23, 2020
@CityofJoburgZA @JHBWater @GeoffMakhubo No water in Douglasdale for the 7th morning in a ROW. Water comes back late at night, then is gone by the time we wake up. What is going on?
Nearest corner Milford Rd and Galloway Ave— Ryan Stolzenberg (@RyanStolzenberg) September 23, 2020
However, the DA chairperson of the Fourways constituency, Mark van der Merwe, said a pipe replacement project had been planned for identified streets.
“The infrastructure in-between the highway and Witkoppen, William Nicol is old. The asbestos and cement pipes need to be replaced with the new blue pipes.
“I keep track of the bursts and work closely with the community and help them report them. We all have a group where we share pictures and short clips of the bursts.”
“We’ve had more than 100 since June 1,” he said. “We’ve had two mishaps but Joburg Water has been absolutely incredible.”
“Residents were very upset in the beginning but there is good communication, so they are sort of understanding.
“We have repaired some roads…the problem is that Covid-19 is slowing down the response,” said Van der Merwe.
Johannesburg Water spokesperson Isaac Dhludhlu confirmed that they were aware of the issues, he however appealed to residents to be patient.
