IN CONVERSATION WITH Kwazelela Mcetywa is the Head of Infrastructure Development at the Johannesburg Roads Agency

In July 2023, Lilian Ngoyi Street, formerly known as Bree Street in Johannesburg CBD, was hit by a deadly underground gas explosion that tore through the road, damaged infrastructure, and forced the closure of the street. The blast left a massive crack down the middle of the street, disrupting businesses, taxis, and pedestrian movement, while also raising serious safety concerns. The blast also killed one person and injured several others. Investigations pointed to a gas leak as the cause, and the incident highlighted the vulnerability of aging underground systems within the city.