Contractors damaging Johannesburg water pipes

There has been an increase in water cuts and sewer failures due to contractors damaging pipes while installing other infrastructure, Johannesburg Water said.

"When contractors are busy with infrastructure work, like replacing fibre-optic cables in the road reserve, there is a high chance that the other underground infrastructure like water or sewer lines will be damaged," spokeswoman Millicent Kabwe said.

Johannesburg Water was taking precautions to minimise the chances of damage, but said the matter was not entirely within its control.

Residents should report interruptions to help resolve problems sooner.