JRA says second phase of Lilian Ngoyi Street rehabilitation will begin in September

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) announced that the second phase of the Lilian Ngoyi Street rehabilitation project will begin in September 2025.

According to the JRA, the second leg of refurbishments will focus on rejuvenating 1.8 kilometres of the street between Ntemi Piliso and End Streets.

First phase on track for completion

JRA Acting CEO Lufuno Mashau claimed the first phase of the rehabilitation is progressing according to schedule, with completion expected by the end of August 2025.

The initial phase addresses approximately 450 metres of Lilian Ngoyi Street, formerly known as Bree Street, between Harrison and Kruis Streets.

Delays in reconstruction of Lilian Ngoyi Street

The rehabilitation has faced significant delays, partly due to the termination of a contract with Step-Up Engineering.

During an oversight visit in February, City of Johannesburg Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu criticised the slow pace of repair work.

“I must say being here now, it’s going to be tough for us to go back to the residents and still say to them there’s still a big hole in the middle of the road because residents who are residing here, all they want is this to be fixed,” she said at the time.

“You can just imagine for how many years their lives have been inconvenienced, and most businesses are leaving the inner city because of crime, because of the hijacked buildings, and now the elephant in the room, Lilian Ngoyi.”

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Devastating damage

The rehabilitation project comes after a gas explosion that caused the collapse of a significant portion of the street and substantial damage to vital underground infrastructure, including stormwater and electrical networks.

Mashau said despite facing challenges from recent adverse weather conditions, the project has maintained its timeline through the implementation of an acceleration plan.

He explained that the contractor used additional resources and extended working hours to include weekend shifts, ensuring construction remains on schedule.

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Rehabilitation progress

Currently, 43% of the project has been completed, with 60% of the service tunnel already finished.

According to the JRA, notable progress has been made on the new and upgraded concrete tunnel, a key element of the infrastructure enhancement.

Mashau explained the complexity of the work being undertaken: “Beyond the visible construction, this crucial project involves the complex reinstallation and relocation of essential stormwater, water, and sewer pipes.

“Furthermore, we are installing new lighting, smoke detection and ventilation systems in the service tunnels.”

Mashau also emphasised the importance of safety measures on the project, noting, “As part of the health and safety assurance and compliance on the project, the lateral support on deep excavations have been installed to prevent the collapse of the material.”

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Enhanced urban environment

The first phase will deliver a transformed section of Lilian Ngoyi Street featuring a newly constructed road surface, expanded sidewalks, designated vendor spaces, upgraded bus stops, and associated street furniture.

With the second phase set to begin immediately after the completion of the first, Johannesburg residents can expect continued progress in the rehabilitation of Lilian Ngoyi Street through the remainder of 2025.

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