Wired Earth Technologies

Wired Earth Technologies

A deeply disappointing experience with Wired Earth Technologies I am posting this review while the matter is still ongoing because I believe homeowners deserve to know what they may be dealing with when infrastructure work is carried out directly outside their properties. Wired Earth Technologies is currently undertaking fibre-related excavation at my property. I fully understand that fibre installation requires excavation and that some disruption is unavoidable. That is not my complaint. My concern is the manner in which the excavation was carried out and the apparent disregard for the potential impact on my existing property. The trench was dug immediately alongside my paving, driveway entrance, automated gate and boundary wall. As the photographs accompanying this review clearly show, sections of paving were left projecting over the excavation, while supporting soil was removed directly alongside the existing paved areas. The excavation also extended into the area immediately in front of my driveway and gate structure, with substantial disturbance to the existing ground and surfaces. I raised my concerns on site and, given what I was seeing, I stopped the contractor from proceeding with laying any pipe until I receive proper written confirmation regarding the work being undertaken, who authorised it, who is responsible for the work and damage, and how the affected areas will be assessed and reinstated. I want to be very clear: I am not refusing fibre installation. I am refusing to allow further work to proceed blindly when there is already visible disturbance and potential damage to my property and I have not yet received the documentation and assurances I have requested. What concerns me particularly is that Wired Earth publicly describes its services as including surveying, planning and design of fibre projects, determining the route with the least disruption, taking photographic evidence during site surveys, and even undertaking paving reinstatement projects. (wiredearth.co.za⁠) That makes my experience all the more disappointing. If a company specialising in fibre planning, wayleaves and infrastructure cannot properly account for the effect of excavation immediately alongside an existing driveway and boundary structures, then homeowners have every right to ask questions before allowing the work to continue. I have retained photographs and video evidence taken while the excavation is open. I have also documented the condition of the affected areas before the work is completed. I have requested: • The full details of the contractor carrying out the work • Confirmation of their authority to undertake the work • The relevant wayleave number • The applicable project/reference number • The name of the responsible project manager • A proper inspection of the affected property • Confirmation of how the excavation will be backfilled and compacted • Confirmation of how the paving, driveway and affected areas will be reinstated • Confirmation of who will be responsible should further cracking, settlement or other damage become apparent after the excavation is closed I am particularly unwilling to accept a situation where the trench is simply filled, a few paving blocks are put back and the matter is declared “reinstated”. The City of Johannesburg’s road-reserve requirements recognise that excavation affects the structural integrity of footways and require proper backfilling and reinstatement. They also provide that the wayleave holder is responsible for costs, including damage and claims resulting from the work. (SAFLII⁠) At this stage, I am giving Wired Earth Technologies the opportunity to address this professionally. I hope management will take ownership of the situation, inspect the property before the excavation is closed, provide the requested documentation and ensure that the property is restored properly. I will gladly update this review if the matter is resolved professionally and satisfactorily. For now, however, based on my experience to date, I cannot recommend Wired Earth Technologies. The photographs tell the story far better than I can.