Repairs begin on Lillian Ngoyi Street as Usindiso Building remains neglected

Repairs have commenced on Lillian Ngoyi Street, formerly Bree Street, in Johannesburg’s CBD, nearly two years after a major explosion disrupted local businesses and caused significant economic losses. The rehabilitation follows sustained calls for action from various stakeholders, including the Democratic Alliance (DA).

During a recent oversight visit, DA officials acknowledged the start of the project but expressed concerns about the feasibility of the stated three-month completion timeline, suggesting it could take up to a year. The party plans to table questions to city and provincial leadership regarding project timelines, budgets, and accountability.

Separately, the Usindiso Building the site of a fatal fire that claimed 76 lives remains in a state of abandonment. Observations from the DA delegation indicate that no visible restoration work has been undertaken, and security measures like fencing have been removed.

The DA has since laid a culpable homicide complaint against the Johannesburg Property Company CEO and filed a motion of no confidence in Mayor Dada Morero, citing a lack of accountability in the wake of the Khampepe Commission’s findings. The party has also criticized Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s oversight of the situation.