Gwamanda: No go-ahead to restore power, water in Joburg CBD
Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda says they cannot restore water and electricity to the CBD explosion area as they have not received the go-ahead from the relevant authorities.
The inner city has been without power and water since last week’s explosion on Lillian Ngoyi Street.
The gas-related explosion claimed the life of one person and left 48 others injured.
Gwamanda addressed the media on Monday while on an oversight visit to the area to assess the extent of the damage caused by the explosion.
Johannesburg City Manager Floyd Brink and city officials accompanied the mayor.
Gwamanda said preliminary reports indicated that the explosion is gas-related, and therefore the area needs to be cleared of any gas leaks before power can be reconnected.
“The city has resources to ensure that during this time of these cut-offs, that is necessary because we have not reached a level where zero percentage of gas exists and experts declaring the area safe, we are unable to connect power.
“Although it bothers their service delivery and human rights, we need to ensure that we prioritise their safety first.
“I also urge the public to steer clear of the cordoned area, their safety is of paramount importance, and we are here to ensure that we finalise the processes in the shortest space of time as possible,” added Gwamanda.
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