Joburg mayor Dada Morero has welcomed the practical completion of phase 2 of the Lillian Ngoyi Street rehabilitation in South Africa. The approximately R215m project, which was damaged in 2023 during a methane gas explosion, still requires some construction bricks and sidewalk paving to be laid before full completion. Morero opened Lillian Ngoyi street in the CBD, stating that there are still minor touches that need to be done for the project to be completed.
The Lillian Ngoyi Street rehabilitation project involved a comprehensive overhaul of the 1.8km stretch between Ntemi Piliso and End streets, including underground infrastructure and service tunnels. Following the July 2023 gas explosion, the city undertook the rehabilitation to restore the street to its former state. Morero said the road is now usable, with only small finishings on the pavements left to be completed by contractors in two weeks.
Morero warned against the destruction of infrastructure in the inner city, stating that vandalism undermines the city’s efforts to improve public spaces. He expressed hope that the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department will help push back against vandalism affecting projects the city is undertaking. The mayor also mentioned that he is ending his term in a good mood, with Lillian Ngoyi street complete and delivered.
In an interview with The Sowetan on site, Morero was asked whether voters could have confidence in his administration given water disruptions and repeated electricity setbacks affecting Marshalltown. He responded that the city is confronting its service delivery problems and working to resolve them. Morero stated that the city's reservoirs are doing fine, with water supply improved in Crown Gardens, and expected the entire Johannesburg to have recovered fully in a few days.
Morero addressed the issue of electricity, citing work at the central substation involving replacing its technology, while cable theft continues to undermine improvements. He mentioned that there have been a lot of improvements, except for the continued experience of criminals stealing cables as they work. The mayor emphasized the need for stronger security measures to counter the theft.
When asked whether the ANC-led coalition had succeeded in delivering services and deserved voters’ support, Morero pointed to completed clinics, swimming pools, and roads. He cited a swimming pool in Ivory Park and a sports complex in Orange Farm among the administration’s achievements. Morero stated that on the projects they committed to do, they have committed and delivered.
Morero also defended reforms to the city’s service entities, including the ringfencing of Joburg Water's revenue as of July 1st and City Power's revenue after October 1st. He expects better performance by Joburg Water and City Power in the next six months as a result of the reforms. With Lillian Ngoyi street now open, residents and businesses can look forward to the completion of the project.
Key points
- Joburg mayor Dada Morero opens Lillian Ngoyi street in CBD, says minor touches needed for project completion
- The Lillian Ngoyi Street rehabilitation project involved a comprehensive overhaul of the 1.8km stretch between Ntemi Piliso and End streets
- Morero defends reforms to city’s service entities, expects better performance in next six months
