IN CONVERSATION WITH MERVYN CIROTA
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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.
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.
