Latest news with #JW
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Johannesburg Water explains Halfway House trench delays
Johannesburg Water (JW) spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said they are aware of the Halfway House trench on the corner of Richards Drive and Suttie Avenue. This comes after the article, No clear reason for Halfway House trench, [week ending July 4], reported that the trench was an eyesore after JW allegedly left it opened. Midrand Reporter first took note of the trench in late April/early May, and attempted to get comment from a company next to it. Unfortunately, this proved fruitless. Also read: 3 years later, Vorna Valley resident still battles with JW over damaged swimming pool We noted the trench was still there recently, and contacted JW's communications team on July 1 regarding whether the leak had been repaired, and the delays over the trench's backfill and reinstatement. In their response, on July 10, Shabalala said JW is aware of the trench, which is barricaded, as the depot team was awaiting fittings manufacturing to complete the works. When asked when they will fix it and close the trench, she said: 'The leak was resolved by JW this past weekend, on July 5. JW initially completed the repairs using a clamp. However, the leak reoccurred, and the team opted to manufacture the bend/fitting as a permanent replacement.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Recurring blockage of sewer on 11th Avenue will be fixed
Ward 107 councillor Floyd Ngwenya has confirmed that a blocked sewer on 11th Avenue, Alexandra, has been reported to Johannesburg Water (JW) and is set to be attended to on July 16. The announcement follows over a week of mounting complaints from residents grappling with the foul stench and hazardous waste. The blockage, located just metres away from Sanele Ndaba's store, has been a recurring issue. Ndaba said the drain first became clogged more than two weeks ago. 'I called JW to log a ticket and got a reference number. A few days later, Ngwenya came, escalated the matter, and it was fixed.' However, within 24 hours, the same sewer reportedly blocked again. Read more: Greenville residents slam unresponsive councillor as sewer crisis festers Nearby resident Patrick Khuphani confirmed the issue re-emerged quickly and remained unattended, prompting concerns among nearby residents. With sewage gushing into the street, visible faeces swirled in the stream and used tissues clung to the tar, creating an unhygienic environment that has impacted Ndaba's food business. 'It affects the customers because it is close to the store.' Resident Walter Matlou, who often escalates service delivery complaints, said he had notified Ngwenya again, but had received no feedback for four days. Despite this, Matlou expressed confidence in the councillor's usual responsiveness. On the day Alex News visited, the situation revealed deeper behavioural challenges. One senior resident was seen dumping a bucket filled with water and waste into the flowing sewage. When asked whether she feared blocking the storm water drain, she replied: 'If you look inside [the storm water drain], you will find beds, and tons of plastics. This is Alexandra, no one can fix it.' Ngwenya responded that he was only aware of the earlier blockage. 'Please note that I am aware of the situation. I reported it last time, when it got blocked. I was not made aware of the fact that now it's blocked [again]. I've reported it now. It will be attended to tomorrow.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
Johannesburg Water crisis deepens as illegal connections strain infrastructure
Johannesburg's ongoing struggle with illegal water connections underscores a complex battle that goes beyond mere theft, highlighting systemic issues that threaten the city's water security and community well-being. Johannesburg Water (JW) spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala warns that unauthorised taps are more than individual misconduct; they jeopardise the entire municipal water system. 'Illegal connections are a serious threat to community health, safety, and resource management. They undermine our efforts to provide equitable access, strain infrastructure, and risk contaminating water supplies.' Read more: Save water today for a better tomorrow Shabalala emphasised that illegal connections cause infrastructure damage, leading to leaks, pipe bursts, and costly repairs, diverting funds that could be used for other community services. Residents are encouraged to report any illegal water connections via the JW corruption line, or by emailing: [email protected]. Ward 91 councillor Andrew Stewart sheds light on the complexities involved in tackling the issue. 'There are different forms of illegal connections. Some are direct connections to individual households, while others involve invaded buildings, especially in areas like Wynberg and other boundary wards such as Kew and Marlboro. These invaded properties often house large communities, making enforcement more challenging.' Stewart added that many offenders are aware their actions are wrong, yet socioeconomic factors, and the rights of displaced residents, make enforcement complex. 'Most offenders are aware that their actions are wrong, but the socioeconomic issues involved, especially in invaded buildings with human rights considerations, make it difficult to curb non-paying usage completely.' Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackelford said residents in her ward alert her if there are pipe leaks. 'It's easier to detect illegal connections in abandoned buildings or areas where displaced people stay, compared to normal homes.' Shackelford highlighted ongoing administrative challenges within JW currently faced by residents in her ward. 'There's a huge problem with incorrect billing and administrative errors. Many residents have been told they have illegal connections when they do not, often because job cards haven't been processed or new meters aren't reflected on their bills. 'Others face double billing due to meter number discrepancies. Recently, someone was disconnected for an alleged illegal connection, but it turned out to be a miscommunication from nine years ago, involving incorrect house records and billing issues.' Shackelford added that these administrative issues often lead to unwarranted penalties and hamper enforcement. 'Better administrative systems are needed to differentiate between true illegal connections and billing errors. Without proper admin, residents are unfairly penalised, and efforts to curb illegal connections are hampered.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Johannesburg Water silent as Sunninghill residents foot the bill for burst pipes
Johannesburg Water (JW) has remained silent on allegations that contract issues within the utility have led to repair delays, forcing Sunninghill residents to spend thousands of rands out of their own pockets to restore water supply. On July 3, questions were sent to JW spokesperson Nolwazi Dhlamini, and cc'd to Puleng Mopeli, requesting clarity on the utility's procurement status, and response to concerns raised by Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy. 'Reddy has raised concerns over JW's procurement issues, which have led to delays in repairs, forcing residents to purchase parts and materials at their own expense. According to Reddy, JW's contract issues have resulted in residents paying over R3 500 for parts and materials to fix the pipe leak. Also read: Joburg Water still has no timeframe for fixing the Pritchard Street leak 'The outage was at Marise Crescent. Can you confirm the status of your procurement contract and explain the reasons behind its expiration? How do you respond to allegations that your temporary contract arrangements have caused delays in repairs and inconvenience to residents in Marise Crescent? What does the law say about residents who fix JW pipe leaks, and what is your reaction to that? We know, with JRA, it is illegal for residents to fix potholes,' reads the email by Fourways Review. In the meantime, residents of Marise Crescent have taken matters into their own hands, after a second pipe burst on July 1 left them without water, again. 'In an act of desperation, the kind residents have bought the pipes and materials to effect the repairs,' said Reddy. 'Just so they can get water. It's a crying shame that residents have to dip into their own pockets and fork out over R3 500 to purchase these parts and materials.' Also read: Year-long water leak still unfixed Reddy said the burst comes just days after the previous one was repaired over the weekend. While one home has since been reconnected, frustration continues to grow among community members who feel let down by the city. Reddy blamed ongoing procurement issues within JW, saying that since January, the utility has been operating under temporary arrangements that are clearly not meeting demand. The councillor also raised concerns over ageing infrastructure, saying he has repeatedly asked the utility to replace failing pipes in the area. Also read: Sunninghill residents buy water pipes as Joburg Water fails to deliver 'I met with the Sunninghill community, JW Zandfontein depot management team, and Region A CRUM on site at Peltier to discuss the constant bursts on Peltier and Marise turns. I have been requesting, for the past two years, that these pipes be renewed, but it has come to nothing.' He said, although officials had initially promised to replace the problematic pipes by early June, that commitment has yet to be honoured. 'Parts and materials shortages have ensured that this doesn't happen.' At the time of publication, JW had not responded to the allegations despite following up. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Sandton roads to get an upgrade after city investment
Sandton roads to get an upgrade after city investment The City of Johannesburg is rolling out a comprehensive plan to address the mounting frustrations caused by potholes and poor road conditions, especially in high-traffic areas like Sandton. Through a substantial R149.9m allocation for the 2025/26 financial year, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is set to resurface key arterial routes, including parts of the M1 North and South, Sandton Highway, and other main roads that connect the vibrant business district to the rest of the city. This targeted investment responds to the urgent need for safer, more reliable roads. The initiative includes proactive and reactive maintenance, road rehabilitation, and reinstatement of roads affected by excavations – particularly those caused by infrastructure repairs by Johannesburg Water (JW). Also read: JRA responds to Kew pothole concerns A visual conditions assessment (VCA) has identified roads in 'very poor' condition that require reconstruction or resurfacing, ensuring resources are focused where they are most needed. JRA CEO Zweli Nyathi said: 'This increased budget, up from R105m last financial year, reflects our commitment to addressing roads that have deteriorated beyond repair and will restore the public's trust in our infrastructure. We are focused on delivering tangible improvements that will alleviate the daily challenges faced by commuters.' MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene emphasised the importance of these upgrades. 'Johannesburg's road infrastructure, in some areas, was not designed for today's traffic volumes. Resurfacing main arterial roads is critical to ensuring safe and efficient mobility, especially on municipal highways and other key commuter routes, which are vital for the city's economic and social growth.' Also read: Sandton roads to get a major makeover Nyathi concluded: 'JRA will utilise asphalt produced at its Booysens Asphalt Plant to maintain quality and efficiency during resurfacing. Additionally, the agency is working closely with JW to reduce reinstatement backlogs by 75%, restoring roads and sidewalks affected by utility excavations.' According to Ward 91 councillor Andrew Stewart, the money invested for road repairs has decreased compared to previous financial years. 'In previous financial years, the line item for potholes has been about R200m, but limited and uneven spending has led to JRA cherry-picking repairs, leaving many potholes unaddressed. 'The city has, generally, underinvested in road maintenance and pothole fixing, which is urgently needed. Streets like Gayre Drive, North Road, Westbrooke Drive in Sandown, Riverside Road in Glen Athol, and 2nd Street in Wynberg, by the Magistrate's Court, are in desperate need of pothole repairs.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
