Statement issued by the City of Johannesburg
Group Communication & Marketing Department
As promised yesterday and since the occurrence of an explosion in Bree Street that we will provide regular update on the work being undertaken by various teams deployed on site.
The Joint Operation Centre (JOC) met this morning to take stock on the work the team has done overnight.
I am pleased to announce that the work of providing temporary relief to affected residents is going smoothly. We can confirm that water tankers, static tanks and VIP toilets have been strategically deployed in the affected area to support residents during this time.
Through the ward councillors we have also been made aware of complaints raised by residents regarding the unavailability of power for cooking purposes. To this end we have deployed the services of Disaster Management and Social Development to assist families with warm meals and other necessities until such a time we are assured it is safe to restore power to the area.
All additional closures as per the revised traffic diversion plan have been implemented. Some barriers will be painted to improve visibility. Our Traffic Engineers have advised that Jeppe Street cannot be converted into a two way as the signal heads are not designed for 2-way traffic. According to their investigations there is currently no major traffic congestion to justify this request. Due to the number of one-way systems in the CBD and that Bree Street is a very localised closure, there is no need for traffic detour/diversion signs. Traffic advisories are being issued in the mornings as well as in the afternoons. Should the need arise changes will be made and implemented accordingly. The temporary directional signage will also be rolled out to assist motorists.
The Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) have completed an assessment between Lilian Ngoyi and Loveday Streets. However, it was discovered that the tunnel structural integrity is deformed and not stable and may collapse at any given time as a result of the movement of cars crossing toward CJ Cronje Building. This area has now also been barricaded for the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
We wish to caution residents to in no way interfere with the boundaries and to not enter the cordoned off areas for the sole purpose of their safety.
As explained yesterday, we held concerns with regards to gas that may be trapped in subsoil cavities such as basements within the area. As per our commitment yesterday, we have since inspected a total of nine (9) buildings in the area and our test results at this stage are negative. We have struggled with access to one building and we will finalize the test once we have gained access.
All the eGoli Gas valves have been completely closed at this stage and our technical teams assures us that they are in the process of isolating the area from their system.
EMS has deployed the Positive Pressure Ventilation Fans to blow out of the underground system any gas remnants that may have remained and the extraction of the gas into the atmosphere is underway. Again, these are intrinsically safe methods being deployed to ensure the safety of residents.
We are beginning to see a decrease in the presence of the gas and should be in a position to safely allow for the restoration of power and other services by Monday, latest.
Johannesburg Water has deployed 25 chemical toilets, 5 stationery tanks and four roaming water tankers are in the area to support residents. The chemical toilets will be serviced three times a week. Once the site is safe, Johannesburg Water will deploy CCTV technology into the underground pipe systems to make certain there is no further unidentified damage before we resume services.
By Monday, we anticipate that all manholes will be safe to open, included welded manholes, once the ventilation is concluded and the gas has been successfully extracted into the atmosphere.
I am pleased to announce that of all people admitted into medical facilities, only three remain in hospitalization and 45 have to date been discharged. We once more pass our condolences to the family of the deceased.
Lastly, let me hasten to dismiss any impression that may be created that the City is lacking in capacity or engineering skills to understand and respond to the situation we are confronted with.
It is the City’s own engineers and emergency services that have directed the work being undertaken to respond to this disaster. We appreciate the fact that there are specialized skills that in the ordinary day to day functioning of the City are not required but are pleased that through our panels of professional services and with the immediate support from the private sector through Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we have been able to bring in all our teams for the best of the City and its residents. In times of disaster, it is cooperation and partnership that allow humanity to triumph. That is standard practice world over and we will not be distracted from the task at hand by such misinformed and misguided statements.
We are indebted to the teams that have spent the 48 hours on the ground, giving their blood, sweat and minds to the success of this operation. Their skills and expertise have assisted the City immensely to the point where we are now.
Ends