By Leletu Mburwana
- Lilian Ngoyi Street reopened a month ago after two years of closure following a deadly pipeline explosion in Johannesburg’s CBD.
- Vendors and business owners say customers are slowly returning as taxis, traders and pedestrians bring life back to the busy street.
The heart of Johannesburg’s inner city is beating again – one month after Lilian Ngoyi Street, once called Bree Street, reopened to traffic and pedestrians.
The busy road had been silent for nearly two years after a tragic gas pipeline explosion left parts of the CBD damaged and lifeless. Now, the sound of taxis hooting, traders calling out their specials and people rushing to work has brought the area back to life.
For street vendor Nongcebo Buthelezi, the change is a relief. She sells home-cooked meals to workers and taxi commuters and says business has started to pick up.
“It’s not the same as before, but the past three weeks have been so much better,” she said. “It’s been years since I’ve been this busy.”
Perfume shop owner Asae Diop has also noticed a difference. “People are back,” he said. “Because it’s summer, many customers want fresh scents. Business is moving again.”
Dreadlocks stylist Mzonke Mthethwa said crime had scared many clients away after the explosion.
“Now that the road is open we are expecting to be busy again. We lost many customers because they were scared of being robbed,” he said.
For hairdresser Joy Nana, the reopening has been deeply personal.
“We moved the salon because there was no movement here,” she said. “But once they opened the road, we came back. Some of our old clients even returned.”
Pictured above: Lilian Ngoyi Street.
Image source: @CityofJoburgZA
