Note to editors: Please find the attached soundbite by Mervyn Cirota MPL
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the City of Johannesburg have succumbed to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) pressure to commence repairs on Lillian Ngoyi Street, formerly known as Bree Street in the Johannesburg CBD. Following an explosion that occurred nearly two years ago, there has been an outcry from businesses and residents that businesses have shut down resulting in job losses.
A DA delegation including Gauteng Shadow MEC for Human Settlements, Mervyn Cirota, Johannesburg Caucus Leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, Johannesburg Central Head, Andrew De Blocq MPL and Cllrs in the City of Johannesburg, discovered that the rehabilitation project of Lillian Ngoyi Street is underway. However, we are concerned that the undertaking to complete the work within three months is unrealistic. We estimate that it may take another year.
The DA will be tabling questions to the Mayor of Johannesburg and the Premier to ascertain who is responsible for this project, the actual timelines, the budget spent, and the work done thus far. It serves no one for the Gauteng residents to have their hopes raised only for the project to stall.
We also assessed the Usindiso Building, which forms part of the Usindiso Regeneration Block, where 76 people tragically lost their lives in a devastating fire, remains abandoned, with little to no action taken to address this heritage site. We found the building in a state of disrepair and abandonment. No efforts have been made to renovate it, and the fence, which serves as the first line of defence against vandalism and illegal entry has been removed. The surrounding area is also neglected, contributing to zero economic activity.
The DA has opened a case of culpable homicide against the CEO of the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), which manages the Usindiso Building. This action follows the alarming findings of the Khampepe Commission’s recommendation, which the City of Johannesburg has flatly ignored and failed to hold anyone responsible for this tragedy that has left many homeless and forced the City to find alternative accommodation at an additional cost.
This is one of the reasons why the DA has filed a motion of no confidence against the City of Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero, who has proven ineffective in holding people accountable. It is also the reason why the DA finds Premier Lesufi unfit for purpose because this is happening under his watch. The DA will continue to put pressure on the local and provincial governments to ensure that heads roll for this preventable tragedy.
A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would have ensured the prompt rehabilitation of Lillian Ngoyi Street by hiring a qualified contractor to complete the work within the established timeline and budget. In addition, we would prioritise the repair of the Usindiso Building and its surrounding area to prevent decay and promote economic activity.