Two years and R215m later, Lilian Ngoyi Street finally reopens — but not for motorised traffic

More than two years after an explosion damaged Lilian Ngoyi Street and with almost R215-million of public money spent, the street was finally partially reopened on Monday — but it still cannot be used by motorised traffic.

A vital artery in Johannesburg’s central business district, Lilian Ngoyi Street had been sealed off since July 2023 when a gas explosion tore through 450m of road and underground infrastructure.

Over the course of the more than two-year rehabilitation period, the R172-million project ballooned to nearly R215-million, R43-million over budget, with two contractors on the payroll and just 22% of the work completed by the first contractor.

The second contractor was brought in to finish the remaining 78% under a new R192-million deal. According to officials, no money was lost in the contracts because the first contractor was “paid only for work done”.

Initially set for completion by December 2024, the end date was first postponed to July 2025, and finally to 31 August 2025.

“We have had a number of delays. At some point, the contractor that was employed did not finish the work,” said City of Johannesburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane.

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero said all businesses along the road would be fully functional by 12 September, when it would also be opened to motorised traffic.

“By the 12th [of September], it will be used by motorists and pedestrians alike,” said Morero. “As of today, some businesses are already operating. We think we have met the targets we have set for ourselves.”

However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Joburg said, “Today, the city claims that Phase 1 has been launched. But the road is not ready for traffic. What exactly, then, has been launched today?

“It is for this reason that the DA has written to National Treasury to request a full investigation into all contracts related to the Lilian Ngoyi Road project. We want clarity on whether the executive mayor and senior officials are personally benefiting from these inflated, over-budget contracts.”

Read more: Johannesburg road explosion — a R196m tender, R19m vanished, and no progress in sight after a year

Phases 1 and 2

The opening of the road on Monday marked the completion of Phase 1 of the project. Morero said Phase 2 would involve extending the pavements, installing street furniture, and making the road attractive.

The first phase of the project covers the section between Harrison and Kruis streets.

The second phase, which involves the renovation of the 1.8km stretch between Ntemi Piliso and End streets, is scheduled for completion in August 2026.

Brickbats and bouquets

Some residents have criticised the city for resurfacing the street with paving bricks rather than tar.

“Paving is used for residential purposes,” said taxi driver Mshumayeli Sibiya. “They must remove this thing because it will not withstand the heavy daily traffic.”

However, taxi commuter Reggie Baloyi expressed his relief at the opening of the road. “It has been a tormenting period,” said the Soweto resident.

“To keep safe in the Johannesburg CBD, there are streets that one must avoid. The construction made this impossible and thus exposed people to the rampant robberies in the CBD.”

Service tunnel

The street’s subterranean service tunnel has been rebuilt. Previously, it was a brick structure, and all services, such as stormwater and electrical services, were clustered together in the tunnel.

Now, a robust reinforced concrete culvert system has replaced the old brick layout. The services run separately, and rails have been installed along the culvert wall to mount electrical infrastructure.

Ridhwaan Mahomed, the operations manager for infrastructure development at the Johannesburg Roads Agency, said this configuration would eliminate future explosions.

In addition, gas ventilation systems have been installed along the length of the tunnel. This will allow gas to be dispersed from the tunnel system instead of building up — one of the potential causes of the 2023 explosion.

A state-of-the-art gas detection system has been installed to allow the City of Johannesburg to monitor the area remotely.

Morero said the project signalled a new chapter in the city’s reimagination of urban spaces.

“We are not just fixing what was broken; we are rebuilding with a vision for a safer, more connected and prosperous future. This project, which marks a new chapter, is a clear example of our commitment to reimagining our urban spaces and ensuring they serve the needs of all our residents.” DM