Councillor’s Corner: Digging into pavements
JOBURG – Read this weeks' question in Councillor's Corner answered by Ward 97 councillor, Leah Knott.
This week, Neo Phashe from Johannesburg asked:
If Johannesburg Water digs up the pavement in front of your house, should they repair it or is this someone else’s responsibility?
Ward 97 councillor, Leah Knott answered:
Any work undertaken by Joburg Water will be completed by them and they will restore the area to the state it was in, thus paving would be reinstated. In most instances, you will find that they do leave trenches open for a few days after repairs, maintenance or new work. This is to allow the earth around the area to dry out as they cannot fill and restore the area while the ground is still wet.
There is an option for them to remove the wet ground and replace it, however, this is extremely messy which creates a danger to motorists and pedestrians as well as being time consuming and costly. They have to source and collect earth for this purpose and it is not always compatible to the ground.
If they undertake planned operations or work on roadsides, they first apply through the Johannesburg Roads Agency for a way leave permitting them to carry out maintenance or work in this section. In cases where they have to perform emergency unplanned work, such as a burst water pipe, they apply to the agency within 48 hours after carrying out the work or repairs to inform them of the work done and for the agency to draw up a work order which can be placed on record.
Residents can follow up uncompleted or ongoing work with Johannesburg Water on 0860 562 874 or 011 688 1699, on Twitter @jhbwater or via email on customerservice@jwater.co.za or customer@jwater.co.za. They can thereafter contact their local councillor with the reference number if it remains unresolved after several days.
Do you have a question for a ward councillor?
As a local newspaper, the Randburg Sun provides a platform for residents to learn about, understand and follow local government. As an extension of that, there is a weekly column called Councillor’s Corner which is a platform for you, our readers, to voice your concerns or questions for ward councillors to respond to.
Different, willing, ward councillors will respond to a question each week.
E-mail your burning question to aimeed@caxton.co.za and let’s get the ball rolling.
