NextFin news, Parkmore residents in Johannesburg have reached a breaking point on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, after more than ten years of an ongoing water leak at the corner of 4th Street and Victoria Avenue that has yet to be permanently fixed. The community has repeatedly reported the issue to Johannesburg Water (JW) and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), but no lasting solution has been implemented.
Long-time resident Luz Helena Hanauer described the leak as "a symbol of how broken our system is," noting that inspectors have visited, reports have been filed, and case numbers issued, but the water continues to flow unabated. She highlighted the irony of the situation amid the city's ongoing water shortages, emphasizing the waste of millions of litres of clean water daily.
Lori Klein, Parkmore suburb manager and Ward 90 committee member, has been addressing the problem since 2022. She reported multiple attempts to escalate the matter with JRA, including on-site meetings with management, but the issue persists. Klein pointed out that the road infrastructure is deteriorating, with two major sinkholes forming—one temporarily patched with asphalt and the other filled with sand by residents.
Efforts by a local corporate company to assist with engineering expertise were stalled due to bureaucratic delays, as JRA did not provide the necessary approvals to proceed. Since then, communication from the authorities has ceased.
Adding to the confusion, Johannesburg Water stated that the leak originates from a private borehole, placing responsibility outside their jurisdiction. JW spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said, "This is borehole water. JW does not deal with borehole sources. The councillor has been informed and will communicate with the property owner." However, Ward 90 currently lacks a councillor following the passing of Councillor Martin William, and JW did not specify which councillor was contacted.
Klein disputed JW's claim, insisting the leak is from a storm water drain and questioned why no action has been taken in ten years to stop the water from eroding public roads and wasting a vital resource.
The unresolved leak has become a visible scar in the Parkmore suburb, with plants growing in the water and the community's patience wearing thin. Residents continue to call for urgent intervention from the city authorities to address the decade-long issue.
Explore more exclusive insights at nextfin.ai.