Repairs to Lilian Ngoyi Street in Joburg CBD expected to be completed by August
Repairs to Lilian Ngoyi Street in the Johannesburg CBD are finally progressing after months of delays, with completion now expected by August 2025. The major road, which suffered extensive damage due to a gas explosion nearly 20 months ago, has remained a construction site for an extended period, affecting businesses, motorists, and pedestrians in the area.
Despite initial setbacks caused by contractor disputes, the project is now moving forward under a new construction company, and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has reassured the public that the city is committed to reopening the road as scheduled.
A Long Road to Recovery
Lilian Ngoyi Street, a vital route in Johannesburg’s Central Business District, was devastated by a gas explosion in July 2023. The explosion caused severe structural damage, rendering the road unsafe and impassable. Since then, the road has remained closed, leaving businesses struggling and causing major disruptions to traffic flow.
For nearly two years, motorists and pedestrians have had to navigate detours, significantly affecting daily commutes and economic activities in the area. Many businesses along the road have reported declining sales due to reduced foot traffic, while residents have voiced their frustration over the slow progress of repairs.
Initially, delays were caused by contractual disputes between the City of Johannesburg and the previous contractor assigned to the project. After a series of disagreements over the scope and timeline of the work, the contract was terminated, and a new contractor was appointed to take over the project.
New Contractor, New Momentum
At a media briefing on Monday morning, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero provided an update on the project, stating that the new contractor has quickly taken charge and started work on the site.
“We are committed to ensuring that by August, we deliver it, and we want to reaffirm to the people of Johannesburg that come August 2025, the road will be functional, and all our motorists will enjoy the road,” said Morero.
The mayor emphasized that restoring Lilian Ngoyi Street is not just about road repairs, but also about revitalizing the economy in the area. The prolonged closure of the street has had a significant economic impact, with businesses in the vicinity suffering due to reduced accessibility.
“Over and above, it is also to ensure that we unlock the economy in this particular street and in our city,” he added.
Economic and Social Impact
The closure of Lilian Ngoyi Street has had far-reaching consequences beyond just traffic congestion. Many small businesses along the street, including retail shops, restaurants, and service providers, have reported revenue losses due to limited access for customers.
Taxi drivers, delivery services, and commuters have also expressed frustration over the prolonged road closure, which has led to longer travel times and increased transport costs.
For local shop owners, the completion of the repairs cannot come soon enough. Some business owners have even been forced to relocate due to the decline in foot traffic, while others have struggled to stay afloat during the prolonged construction period.
Once repairs are complete, the reopening of Lilian Ngoyi Street is expected to boost economic activity, improve traffic flow, and restore normalcy for businesses, residents, and motorists.
Challenges and Expectations
While the city has now set an August 2025 deadline, many Johannesburg residents remain skeptical given the history of delays. Some have raised concerns about whether the project will meet its new timeline, while others are hoping for regular updates and transparency from city officials.
The city government, however, has assured the public that work is progressing efficiently under the new contractor, and that all necessary resources and manpower are being allocated to speed up the process.
For now, the focus remains on completing the reconstruction as planned, with the hope that by August 2025, Lilian Ngoyi Street will finally be fully operational.
The reopening of the road will not only ease congestion but will also restore business confidence, making it a crucial step towards revitalizing the Johannesburg CBD.
As work continues, residents, business owners, and motorists eagerly await the return of normalcy to one of the city’s most important streets.
