The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) expresses its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the individuals and families impacted by the explosion that tragically occurred in parts of Lilian Ngoyi Street (formerly Bree Street), in Johannesburg, on Wednesday, 19 July 2023.

In light of this unfortunate event, and while investigations are underway, CEO Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane said that SAICE stands ready to offer guidance and expertise through its network of voluntary civil engineering professionals as the nation comes together to prioritize safety, resilience, and the well-being of all citizens.

She also emphasized the importance of prioritising the rebuilding of critical infrastructure for this buoyant street in the City Centre. “This is necessary to restore a sense of safety and security for residents and citizens, while enabling business owners to resume their operations seamlessly.”

SAICE’s Friedrich Slabbert also emphasized the critical importance of asset management to ensure the safety and reliability of infrastructure.

“Accurate mapping of all services in a Geographic Information System, including ownership and age of different entities' infrastructure, plays a vital role in proactive risk mitigation and disaster preparedness. By involving all affected asset owners in the investigation process, the City can collaboratively develop swift action plans to restore essential services and prevent similar incidents in the future,” Slabbert said.

Chairperson of the SAICE Structural Division, Siyabonga Dubazana also added that the impact of the explosion in the Johannesburg CBD on the nearby structures must be assessed by structural engineers. He added: “Such explosions may alter ground conditions thus negatively impacting the foundations and the structure. Some of these structures may already be compromised due to a lack of maintenance. The safety of occupants in these buildings is of utmost importance -  thus buildings must be inspected and declared safe for occupation.”

Dubazana concurred with Slabbert stating that it is hoped that this incident will place priority on the importance of condition assessments and the maintenance of infrastructure.