Johannesburg Roads Agency tackles Gordon Road sinkhole caused by leaking pipe in Northcliff

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06-11-2025
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Northcliff Melville Times
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Repairs mark long-awaited progress on one of Ward 86’s worst trouble spots.

After months of complaints, and repeated reports from frustrated residents, Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has finally stepped in to repair a persistent sinkhole on Gordon Road in Northcliff.

The repair follows several inspections prompted by community concerns, which revealed a recurring leak in a storm water pipe running beneath the road. According to Ward 86 councillor Chantelle Fourie-Shawe, the issue had been ongoing for quite some time, becoming particularly hazardous during heavy rain, when the road surface would become unstable and unsafe for motorists.

During the recent works, carried out on October 10, JRA’s in-house team uncovered a massive storm water pipe that had been leaking for an extended period. The team removed an entire section of the damaged pipe, replaced it, and began the process of backfilling and tarring the affected area.

Fourie-Shawe noted that while the current repair work is a relief for residents, it also highlights a much broader issue within the city’s infrastructure. “Our storm water network is ageing, and maintenance is happening too late instead of being planned. Without proper upkeep, these failures will keep happening.”

Fourie-Shawe added that she is monitoring the progress closely. “I’m following up continuously and checking progress to make sure the repairs are done properly, and not just patched in a way that causes problems again later.”

She also expressed confidence in JRA’s internal repair team. “It’s always more efficient when repairs are done internally.” She added that she’s hopeful the area will not face further issues with the sinkhole once the work is complete.

JRA acting head of infrastructure planning Khaya Gqibitole stated that previously there were two excavations for water pipe repairs on Gordon Road. “Both the road and pavement were reinstated on these sites. Our inspectors reported no other excavations on the road, as of October 17.”

He added that JRA have been proactive in cleaning storm water drains, culverts, and channels in preparation for the rainy seasons. “However, storm water drains are often clogged due to littering and the illegal disposals of waste materials into the kerb inlets and rivers. This impacts the flow of rainwater into the storm water systems and results in flooding.”

For residents who have long navigated around barriers and uneven road surfaces, the repairs signal overdue progress, and the hope that early intervention will be key to avoiding future disruptions on the city’s roads.