Joburg has a new mayor and same old problems. Another building burning this past weekend, infrastructure collapsing and the Bree Street (the street that blew up) still not fixed. Apparently, Joburg needs about R200bn to fix its infrastructure. 

Guest: Brian McKechnie, Joburg architect and heritage consultant

Bree Street repairs delayed to 2026 after 'non-compliant' contractor fired

Lillian Ngoyi Street, which exploded on 19 July 2023, will only be completed on 30 June 2026 – if all goes according to plan.

The road, formerly named Bree Street, is one of the main arterial routes in Johannesburg's inner city.

It has endured traffic chaos since the 450-metre road was closed after being destroyed in a methane gas explosion.

According to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), two phases still need to be completed.

When reconstruction began on 11 January 2024, the former mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda, said the repairs would be completed by 15 December 2024.