Latest update on gas explosion in Joburg CBD. The removal of the disintegrated rubble from Johannesburg CBD would have to be done by hand as no heavy machinery and equipment can be brought in due to the volatility of the area, the City of Johannesburg has said.
Johannesburg City Manager Floyd Brink gave an update on Sunday, the area where a gas explosion left a massive crater in the city’s busy roads last week, were barricaded and law enforcement have been on the scene to divert pedestrians from walking across the damages and dangerous roads.
Brink said it was still not safe to cross the roads and law enforcement had to be brought on site to ensure everyone complied with the demarcation of the area.
“No heavy equipment and heavy machinery can be sent in. The removal of this rubble would be done through hand. However, our normal operations would continue such as Pikitup, but there is illegal dumping continuing in the area and that in itself also brings in some form of risk.
WATCH : City Manager Floyd Brink’s concise update on the #JoburgExplosion oversight inspection that took place today #JoburgExplosion #JoburgUpdates #JoburgCares ^NB pic.twitter.com/hxjxkgo2nj
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) July 23, 2023
“We appeal to residents to please be patient with us. We have been doing all we can in our ability,” he said.
Some residents in the Johannesburg CBD have accused property owners in the area of failing to supply alternative means of power to buildings that have been without electricity.
Some parts of downtown Joburg were plunged into darkness on Wednesday after a suspected gas leak explosion on Bree Street, that left one dead, injuring at least 45 others.
Frustrated residents said although the explosion was out of anyone’s control, landlords could have done better in assisting tenants.
