Operations finally underway to fix battered Lilian Ngoyi Street after gas blast

JOHANNESBURG - There are major improvements on Lillian Ngoyi Street in the Johannesburg city centre nine months after it was battered by an unprecedented explosion.

In July last year, one person was killed and 48 others injured after the methane gas explosion.

Eyewitness News visited the area to check on progress made on Monday, four months since the city started repairing the busy street.

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Excavators, heavy-duty vehicles and contractors in overalls can be seen on the stretch of the road.

Joburg’s downtown hustle and bustle has not stopped, and people are ensuring that they do not disturb the ongoing work.

But for business owners on this stretch of the road, there had been some negative changes the explosion.

Dines Sailor, owner of the Dakota Music Store, said there was a significant drop in foot traffic going into his store.

"We do not have much passing trade anymore. This road used to be busy. Now we get what we get."

During his State of the City Address last week, Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda reiterated that work was on track, and said repairs should be completed at the end of the year.