City updates stakeholders on the Lilian Ngoyi Rehabilitation project

City of Johannesburg officials representing departments such as Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM), Economic Development (DED), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police (JMPD) and the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) met local stakeholders and businesses on 17 September 2026 for updates on the second phase of the Lilian Ngoyi Street Rehabilitation Project.

JRA Project Manager Miyelani Maluleke said the City has completely overhauled underground service tunnels and surrounding infrastructure, with completion expected by 31 October 2026.

“Phase two covers the 1.8km stretch between Ntemi Piliso and End streets," Maluleke said. “The scope of work includes resurfacing, real-time gas and smoke monitoring, advanced tunnel safety systems, water and electricity network restoration, enhanced urban safety measures, stormwater management upgrades, new sidewalks, intersection base corrections, and public street lighting."

Maluleke added that the final phase will integrate with the 450m stretch between Harrison and Wanderers streets, which reopened to traffic in September 2025. Property and business owners voiced frustration over illegal taxi parking, noise pollution, inconsistent power, public lighting, and rising crime with minimal police visibility around the area.

“The project office is blocking our shop, and the number of walk-in customers has dropped drastically," said a driving school owner operating on Plein Street, noting that the site camp and office has disrupted operations since construction began.

“The crime rate has increased, there are people drinking on the street in broad daylight, and police and security are nowhere to be seen. As a result, we can no longer afford to pay rent and other escalating bills."

Other owners reported collateral damage to utility connections without city relief.

“My water meter was damaged due to the construction. We reported the matter to Joburg Water and received no assistance," said property and business owner Riaz Cassim.

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the Department of Economic Development addressed enforcement of city by-laws and informal trading.

CRUM Region F Director Irene Mafune briefed attendees on an upcoming meeting with Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero, targeting building owners along the Lilian Ngoyi and De Villiers corridors.

“The meeting aims to address property maintenance to enhance the area's overall aesthetics. Property owners are expected to embark on maintenance and repair minor defects on their buildings, including fixing broken windows, repainting facades, removing dangling debris, and removing illegal advertising," said Mafune.

Written by Dudu Lushaba
18/09/2026

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