How a Gas Explosion Sparked a Long‑Road Repair Job
In July 2023 a methane gas blast ripped through Lilian Ngoyi Street (formerly Bree Street) in downtown Johannesburg. One person died, several were hurt, and the road plus the utilities underneath were damaged. The city decided the fix had to go deeper than just repaving the surface.
Why the Fix Is Taking So Long
Hidden Problems Underground
When crews dug up the street they found old tunnels, water pipes, power cables and other services that were in worse shape than expected. The tunnels, built in the 1950s, could not handle the stress and were leaking gas. Engineers had to:
- Dig deeper than originally planned
- Add new cables and reinforce the tunnel walls
- Replace unsafe sections with stronger materials
Because most of the work is below the road, the project looks simple on top but is actually a major underground rebuild.
Money Matters
The original budget was R192 million. City officials say the price tag reflects all the hidden work—new tunnels, fresh water and electricity lines, and storm‑water pipes—not just the new asphalt. Mayor Dada Morero explains that judging the cost by looking at the road surface alone misses the big picture.
Cash‑Flow Hurdles
Payments to contractors slowed down at times because the city faced its own financial pressures. Once the money started flowing again, work picked up, but the finish date still depends on steady payments to suppliers and subcontractors.
What’s Left to Do?
Most of the heavy lifting—road base, compaction, and the new tunnels—is already finished. The remaining tasks are mostly finishing touches:
- Laying the final pavement and sidewalks
- Installing kerbs, drainage pipes and storm‑water manholes
- Putting in street lighting and electrical conduits
- Building sidewalk extensions, benches, trash bins and other street furniture
These items are being tackled along the 1.8 km stretch between Ntemi Piliso and End streets.
Traffic Impact – What Drivers Can Expect
The JRA will close sections of the street one at a time as crews finish each block. The affected blocks are:
- Wanderers St → Von Wielligh St
- Von Wielligh St → Delvers St
- Delvers St → Troye St
- Troye St → Polly St
- Polly St → Claim St
- Claim St → Nugget St
- Nugget St → End St
When a block is done it reopens to traffic, while the next block is shut down. All intersections stay open during the work.
Will October 31 2026 Be the Real Finish Line?
City officials and the contractor say the remaining work can be wrapped up by the new deadline of October 31, 2026, provided payments continue on schedule. JRA CEO Zweli Nyathi and Mayor Morero both expressed confidence that the target date is achievable.
Opening the Books to Outside Experts
To address lingering questions about the R192 million cost, the city has invited independent engineers to review the project. Mayor Morero said he welcomes any outside assessment and believes it will confirm that the spending matches the work done.
Conclusion
The Lilian Ngoyi Street rehabilitation started as a reaction to a tragic gas explosion, but it turned into a massive underground upgrade that has taken longer and cost more than first imagined. While the surface may look like a regular road, underneath lie new tunnels, fresh utilities and improved drainage meant to serve Johannesburg for decades. With most of the heavy work done, the city is now focused on finishing the sidewalks, lighting and final pavement, aiming for a full reopening by the end of October 2026—if the money keeps flowing and the weather cooperates. Until then, drivers and businesses will see rolling street closures, but the end of the long detour is in sight.
