Water leak highlights need for traffic signs on Sutherland Avenue

Although Johannesburg Water had recently fixed the problem, a persistent water leak recurred a few days later, prompting JW to ask on 24 July what the problem with the repairs was.

The leak was located at the corner of Sutherland Avenue and St Andrews Road, a popular alternative route for motorists seeking quick access to Sandton Drive.

On July 29, JW spokesman Nombuso Shabalala responded to a question about how the leak at the corner in question had burst open and started leaking again.

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“Sometimes a leak will recur after it has been repaired,” Shabalala explained.
“In such cases, when the leak is reported, it is re-uploaded into the system and a work map is created for it. The road surface must then be re-excavated/opened to locate and repair the leak.”

Shabalala said the leaking pipe was repaired over the weekend ending July 28 and that backfilling was completed on site. She also explained how long it usually takes to process backfilling orders.

“The backfilling of this section was completed today, July 29. The next step is to issue a work order to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) so that the restoration can be carried out.
“The turnaround time for backfilling is approximately five days after the repair work to allow the cement to dry and the repairs to settle. However, these turnaround times are affected by various factors including the amount of work to be done. It depends on the repair work being done.”

On 30 July, JRA was contacted with a query, specifically regarding whether the agency intends to implement traffic calming measures to highlight the need to slow down for motorists using the slip road between Empire Road and Sandton Drive.

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