Morero dismisses claims of delays in reopening Joburg CBD’s Lilian Ngoyi Street

JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has dismissed claims of further delays in the reopening of Lilian Ngoyi Street in the CBD, even though the road remains closed to traffic.

The city had initially promised the road would be operational by on Monday, but construction crews are still finalising minor touch-ups.

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Formerly known as Bree Street, the route was torn apart by a massive underground gas explosion in 2023, which left one person dead, and several others injured.

Morero in February committed to reopen Lilian Ngoyi Street before the city’s self-imposed deadline of 1 September.

“What commitment are we making? In August, we will deliver the road back and we apologise for the inconvenience caused to taxi owners and drivers.”

But the street will only reopen on 12 September, as the city said it needs more time for minor touch-ups.

Despite this, Morero insisted that this doesn’t amount to a delay.

“It’s not a delay. We wanted to launch it on the first. We have completed the work; it’s just minor issues that still have to be done. So, we think have met the target that we have set for ourselves.”

The rebuilt road has a completely new look, as the city has replaced the traditional tar with paving bricks.