Ward 104 is fed up with unfinished road repairs and sewage issues

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30-07-2026
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Randburg Sun
Source

Ward 104 councillor Emi Koekemoer is demanding urgent intervention after unfinished road repairs and a blocked drain creates hazards for motorists and residents.

Residents, as well as Ward 104 councillor Emi Koekemoer, are calling for urgent intervention after three neglected road reinstatements, as well as a blocked storm water drain, have been left unattended, creating disruptions, safety issues, and growing frustrations across Ward 104.

One of the longest-running issues is on Nerina Street, where a section of road has remained unrepaired for an estimated two to three years after a water leak was fixed. The incomplete reinstatement has left one lane partially blocked, forcing motorists to navigate around the damaged section and raising concerns about road safety.

According to Koekemoer, the reason Johannesburg Water hasn’t backfilled the road is because there is storm water drainage that needs to be repaired first. The hole is now being used as a dump site as it becomes more and more filled with waste. “They said Johannesburg Roads Agency needs to come and reconstruct the storm water drain. Nothing has happened for close to three years now. They could have backfilled it at least for the time being to make the road safe.”

A similar problem exists on nearby Burke Street, where a large reinstatement has been left open for several weeks. It remains unclear whether the underground pipe was successfully repaired, as water continues to collect in the excavation. The hole occupies the middle of the road and has effectively taken over a turning lane, forcing vehicles to merge into a single lane.

On Bram Fischer Drive, residents have reported what appears to be an even more serious problem. Water, believed to be mixed with sewage, is flowing along the roadway, while a blocked storm water drain is discharging foul-smelling black water. Close to the drain, another large road reinstatement has filled with water, raising concerns that an underground leak may still be present.

Koekemoer said residents have repeatedly raised the issues and are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress. She added that, up on Bram Fischer Drive, there are more leaks. “We have found that this entire road was broadened at some point, but they never moved the pipeline, so it is sitting right underneath the road. Where you would usually have these excavations on the sidewalks, they are now in the middle of the road.”

She is urging the relevant municipal departments to investigate the apparent leaks, clear the blocked storm water drains, and complete the outstanding road reinstatements without further delay. “They need to come and do crisis damage control, because these open excavations are everywhere, and these poor people from these businesses, they can’t have people coming in and out of their businesses. There aren’t even any barricades, tape, or cones.”

Resident Zak Madaree has been reporting and escalating the blocked storm water drains. He said the blocked sewer has been an ongoing issue since May 12, which is when he first logged the complaint with Johannesburg Water. Despite numerous reports over the past two months, the problem remains unresolved and continues to worsen. “They did respond initially, and came out to assess the blockage. I was informed that the blockage was further down the road, and that they required specialised equipment to clear it. However, after that assessment, no further work was carried out. In June, the situation became even worse when a water pipe burst. I immediately reported it.

“They attended to the burst pipe and repaired the pipe, but left the excavation open, and the blocked sewer was never addressed. Since then, I have logged multiple service requests, but they have repeatedly been closed without the underlying problem being resolved.”

He also contacted various government representatives, including the executive mayor’s office. “While I have received assurances via email that the matter will be attended to urgently, no meaningful action has followed.”

Madaree said the impact on his business has been substantial. The constant overflow of raw sewage has created an unbearable stench that surrounds the property throughout the day. This has made the environment unpleasant for customers and staff, and has significantly reduced the number of walk-in customers visiting his business. “Beyond the financial impact, the overflowing sewage poses a serious public health and environmental risk. No business should be expected to operate under these conditions, and no member of the public should have to be exposed to raw sewage for such an extended period.

“This is unacceptable. I want Johannesburg Water to resolve this matter immediately.”

Questions were sent to Johannesburg Water and their response will be published once made available.