PICS | Jozi's Bree Street rebuild hits hustlers hard

IN July 2023, a gas explosion rocked Bree Street in downtown Joburg causing chaos.

The City of Joburg’s municipal officials were quick to offer hope and speedy reconstruction as panic gripped the city.

Construction worker directs an excavator on Lilian Ngoyi Street (formerly known as Bree) in the Joburg CBD. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe

Street hawkers feel pain as customers have deserted the once-busy Bree Street. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe

Fast forward to January 2024, the city unveiled a significant plan to repair Lilian Ngoyi Street, with a R196 million reconstruction budget.

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Construction is underway and set to be complete by 15 December 2024.

Construction workers in orange overalls sit on Lilian Ngoyi Street in the Joburg CBD. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe

Workers are on site, but progress seems slow and is frustrating for business owners along the damaged street.

“The explosion hit businesses hard and there’s no more sales in my shop”, said Ahmed Shikha, who owns a clothing store. He's hoping for a quick rebuild as his business continues to take a knock.

Clothing store owner, Ahmed Shikha told SNL24 he is hoping for a speedy reconstruction process of Lilian Ngoyi Street. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe

Taxi drivers now park their vehicles on closed Rissik and Lilian Ngoyi streets. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe

Taxi driver, Sicelo Shongwe assured commuters that despite blocked roads, taxis find their way around.

Meanwhile, street hawker Mariam Ngalula noted that her earnings have dropped.

Sicelo Shongwe has been driving taxis for over five years and is pleading with his customers to come back and use their trusted mode of transport. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe

Street hawker, Mariam Ngalula (seated), who says she is only able to make money around month-end. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe

On the upside, car wash hustlers, Tshepo Moroane and Nhlanhla Zuma are doing well with more taxis that need cleaning.

Despite efforts, there's uncertainty whether the city will meet its deadline, but people remain hopeful.

Nhlanhla Zuma's car wash hustle has improved since the explosion on Lilian Ngoyi Street. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe

Another man's pain is another's gain. Tshepo Moroane is all smiles because he is able to wash as many taxis as he can on Rissik Street. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe

Joburg CBD community members are adapting after the explosion, with individuals and businesses coping differently.

There's optimism, but everyone is aware of the challenges ahead.

Construction vehicles bring hope to city dwellers and taxi drivers. Photo by Morapedi Mashashe