THE reconstruction of Lilian Ngoyi Street in the Joburg CBD, formally known as Bree Street, has begun with an estimated budget set at R194 million.
Reappointed Joburg city manager Floyd Brink said this on Thursday morning, 11 January as he briefed the media alongside Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamande and MMC for Roads, Kenny Kunene on the work on Lilian Ngoyi Street.
This set budget is slightly higher than the one Brink had informed the media about in August 2023 when he estimated that redesign and construction would cost at least R178 million.
“The city will be spending R196 million on professional keys as well as construction costs to the project which include contingencies. This R196 million should not be construed.
“It includes all other services within the area, profession fees, construction costs of the project as well as contingencies for that project. And all of this is lined to the designs work of what was done by the professionals,” said Brink.
Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda alongside MMC for transport at the Sappi Building this morning giving the latest update on Lilian Ngoyi Street formally known as Bree Street following gas explosion last year. @dailysunsa pic.twitter.com/ddaTAYPiiB
— Zandile Ethel Khumalo (@Ethel_Khumalo) January 11, 2024
On 19 July 2023, an underground explosion struck Lilian Ngoyi Street, splitting the busy street open and leaving many cars damaged.
One person died from the explosion, while more than 40 were injured. At the same time, the city was also plunged into darkness, and several water systems were disrupted.
The city has confirmed that methane was the cause of the explosion, further ruling out terrorism action, zama zamas, cable theft or foul play by anybody.
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Brink has indicated that the set budget will be for the road works, water infrastructure, electrical work as well as mechanical and structural work structure to deliver the designs as approved by the city.
He confirmed that construction has started effective Thursday, 11 January and is expected to end by 15 December 2024.
According to the city, compliance issues around permits was the reason for the delays in the project, further delaying the release of funds, however, everything is still on schedule.
Kunene commended the rehabilitation work, stating that the team has not missed any timelines.
"The rehabilitation process is still well underway even with the unfavourable wet weather. Even though it may seem as if the project is stagnant to the public, the work that's being done will become prevalent in the coming months," he said.
