The City of Joburg Municipality has employed Korone Engineering as the new contractor to commence with the reconstruction of Lillian Ngoyi Street.
According to the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, Kenny Kunene, the move follows an agreement to terminate the contract of the previous contractor, Step-Up Engineering.
“The amicable agreement with the initial contractor mitigates the risk of prolonged project delays due to legal processes.
While it is regrettable that the timelines for this critical project were impacted, we are satisfied with the adjudication outcome and can now focus on moving forward with the rehabilitation of Lillian Ngoyi Street,” said Kunene.
The deadline to complete repairs of the street that was damaged during a gas explosion in July 2023, was initially set for December 2024.
Under the new contractor, the project has been extended to 2026.
“The first phase covering the section between Harrison and Kruis Streets is expected to be completed by August 2025.
The second phase, which involves the rejuvenation of 1.8 kilometres between Ntemi Piliso and End Streets, is scheduled for completion by August 2026,” explained the MMC.
The gas blast on the street claimed one life and left 48 others injured.
Furthermore, the delays on the project were met with criticism and concerns over the potential mismanagement of the R196 million-rand budget that was allocated for infrastructure upgrades, roadworks and electrical as well as mechanical repairs.
Some experts warned that prolonging the reconstruction of the busy street will have dire impacts on commuters and businesses in the CBD.
However, Kunene guaranteed that the new engineers are already on site.
“Work is continuing, as the team pumps water from excavations and the necessary materials such as concrete culverts, foundation slabs, dump rock and G5 materials are being procured,” Kunene remarked.
