Joburg Mayor Promises to Rebuild City after 15% Progress on Bree Street Gas Explosion Project

WATCH: Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero Provides Updates on the Construction of Lillian Ngoye (Bree) Street. Footage: Nomazulu Moyo/African Times

Joburg Mayor Dada Morero has promised to rebuild the dilapidating City and fix the Lilian Ngoyi Street (Bree) after 15% of construction progress was completed nearly two years after the gas explosion that killed people and sent shockwaves across the country.

Morero and his Transport MMC Kenny Kunene addressed the media on Monday, January 3, at the construction site in the heart of Johannesburg CBD.

This came as the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) confirmed that 15% of the Bree Street project has already been completed, with key activities in full swing, including tunnel construction and utility repairs.

The total budget for the 2024/25 financial year is R94 million, with R2.2 million already spent.

PROGRESS UPDATE: Nearly two years after the devastating gas explosion that claimed lives and shook the nation, the City of Johannesburg has completed only 15% of the construction on Lillian Ngoyi (formerly Bree) Street. Photos: Nomazulu Moyo/African Times

The agency said the City appreciates the patience of all road users and residents during this period of improvement.

“This project is more than rebuilding a street; it’s about rebuilding our inner-city community,” Morero said.

Kunene acknowledged and apologised for the inconvenience the construction delays caused. He said, “I would like to apologize for the inconvenience caused to the community, the taxi industry, and commuters and motorists who use Lillian Ngoyi Street.”

Kunene emphasized the importance of the project and the urgency to finish it.

The rehabilitation work comes after a serious gas explosion in July 2023, which drew international attention. Following the incident, the JRA terminated its contract with the initial contractor, Step-Up Engineering, due to disputes.

But the JRA says the project is now back on track with a new contractor, Korone Engineering, who is already making progress.

WATCH: Johannesburg MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene at Lillian Ngoye (Bree) Street Construction Site. Footage: Nomazulu Moyo/African Times

The project is divided into two phases. The first phase will cover the section between Harrison and Kruis Streets, expected to be completed by August 2025.

The second phase, which will rejuvenate 1.8 kilometers between Ntemi Piliso and End Streets, is scheduled for completion by August 2026.

The City says at least 80 job opportunities are set to be created, with 28 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) involved.

Kunene highlighted that “the employees will be given skills” and valuable training in areas like construction and safety management. An allocation of R26 million has been made for SMME participation and local sourcing, he added.