By Levy Masiteng
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has confirmed that the first phase of the rehabilitation of Lilian Ngoyi Street, formerly Bree Street, is progressing well and remains on track for completion by the end of August 2025.
This is according to the JRA Acting CEO Lufuno Mashau who said on Tuesday that the project involves complex reinstallation and relocation of essential stormwater, water, and sewer pipes, as well as the installation of new lighting, smoke detection, and ventilation systems in the service tunnels.
“Despite recent adverse weather conditions that threatened to delay progress, the JRA implemented an Acceleration Plan, mobilizing additional resources and extending working hours, including weekend shifts,” Mashau said.
Mashau reported that 43% of the project scope has already been completed, with 60% of the service tunnel finished.
However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concerns about the project’s timeline, estimating that it may take another year to complete, rather than the projected three months by the JRA.
The DA has also questioned actual timelines, budget expenditure, and progress made so far.
In a statement, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Human Settlements Mervyn Cirota commented: “It serves no one for Gauteng residents to have their hopes raised only for the project to stall.”
He added that the DA has also been critical of the City of Johannesburg’s handling of the Usindiso Building, devastated by a fire that claimed 76 lives.
“We found the building in a state of disrepair and abandonment. No efforts have been made to renovate it, and the fence, which serves as the first line of defense against vandalism and illegal entry, has been removed.”
The party announced that it has also opened a case of culpable homicide against the CEO of the Johannesburg Property Company, which manages the Usindiso Building.
Cirota also cited these issues as reasons for the DA filing a motion of no confidence against City of Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero, “who has proven ineffective in holding people accountable,” he said.
As the JRA continues rehabilitating Lilian Ngoyi Street, Cirota stressed the need for transparency and accountability in government projects.
The collapse of approximately 450 meters of Lilian Ngoyi Street between Harrison and Kruis Streets in Johannesburg was caused by a gas explosion in July 2023.
The explosion, caused by methane gas trapped in a tunnel, damaged vital underground infrastructure, including stormwater and electrical networks.
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