The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is appointing a new contractor to undertake the rehabilitation of Lilian Ngoyi street, after having terminated the contract of the previous contractor Step Up Engineering on August 14.

The remaining work of the project’s first phase includes the reconstruction of the 450 m of collapsed road and associated infrastructure damaged in an explosion in July 2023, the construction of a new reinforced concrete tunnel, reinstallation and relocation of stormwater and sewer pipes, installation of lighting, detection and ventilation systems and the implementation of lateral support for structural stability.

“The JRA is sensitive to the impact this sectional closure of Lilian Ngoyi street between Harrison and Wanderers streets has on road users, business owners, residents and other stakeholders,” says JRA acting CEO Lufuno Mashau.

“Consequently, we are working to ensure the quick resumption of construction through the appointment of a new contractor to prevent any further unnecessary delays and inconvenience to the public,” he adds.

The projected duration for the remainder of Phase 1 is nine months, with the expected completion date being June 30, 2025 – six months later than initially planned.

Further, the new contractor will also undertake the second phase of the project, which will include road surface upgrades and sidewalk adjustments along a 1.8 km stretch of Lilian Ngoyi street.

Mashau notes that Phase 2 is set for completion on June 30, 2026.

The JRA, key stakeholders and entities in the City of Johannesburg continue to engage in quarterly stakeholder meetings to address challenges faced in wards 59, 60 and 124 since the closure of the road.

Road users, residents, business owners and other stakeholders are active participants in these public meetings. The JRA appeals for their continued patience and cooperation for the duration of the project.

Meanwhile, the agency said it had followed due process during the appointment of Step Up Engineering, which holds a valid Construction Industry Development Board 9CE grading, which is a prerequisite to be appointed for contracts in excess of R200-million.

The JRA also assessed the financial health of the company, which indicated the company was in good financial standing to complete the project.

The bidders and the directors of the shortlisted bidders were checked on the National Treasury register of restricted suppliers and tender defaulters report, and Step Up Engineering and its director do not appear on this list.

The JRA undertook several interventions to hold the contractor accountable and ensure the project remained on track, including letters issued by the JRA and the City of Johannesburg.

The rehabilitation of the Lilian Ngoyi street in the inner city experienced delays owing to the contractor’s failure to meet several contractual obligations, the roads agency said.