The DA in Gauteng calls on Mzi Khumalo, the MEC for cooperative government and traditional affairs, to launch an urgent investigation to establish the cause of the explosion that took place late Wednesday afternoon in the Johannesburg city centre.
RNews earlier reported that chaos reigned in downtown Johannesburg when a suspected underground gas explosion occurred in Breestraat.
Solly Msimanga, Gauteng leader of the DA, says the explosion is life-threatening for the thousands of workers and residents of the city center and that its cause must be determined urgently to prevent more such incidents.
“The explosion occurred on the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) route, which means that the structural integrity of the road must be determined before it can be used again by the public and public vehicles.”
Msimanga believes the government should consider removing people from some buildings – which are located near the scene – to ensure their safety.
“The DA will monitor the progress of this investigation, and should it be delayed, we will have no choice but to take up the matter privately. Our residents must be able to work and live in a safe environment.
“We appeal to the public not to go to the scene of the explosion until it has been declared safe,” says Msimanga.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and those whose property was damaged during this incident.”
