Sirens, explosives, a loud bang and a cloud of dust marked the demolition of the Bank of Lisbon Building in Johannesburg on 24 November.
The building, which previously accommodated three provincial government departments, was engulfed by fire in September last year, resulting in the death of three firefighters who were trying to fight the fire.
An assessment of the building, carried out by engineers appointed by the Department of Infrastructure and Property Management, revealed that the fire had caused irreparable damage. A decision was undertaken by the department to demolish the entire building.
Law student, Linda Mchunu who lives at a residence adjacent to the Bank of Lisbon building, said they had received a warning from Jet Demolition, the company appointed to demolish the building, to vacate their student residence on the day at 6.30am. “We were given pamphlets two weeks ago instructing us to vacate our residence to prepare for the demolition of the Bank of Lisbon building. There were also sirens that woke us up in the morning to also indicate that we should vacate.”
Mchunu, who witnessed the demolition process with his friends described it as a scene out of the movies. “It was a great experience. The sound of the explosion, the collapse of the building and the cloud of dust in the air was something out of this world.”
Streets that were closed included Helen Joseph, Ntemi Piliso, Commissioner, Pixley ka Isaka Seme, Commissioner and Fraser streets and Albertina Sisulu Road.
Filler: What do you think the government should do with deteriorating buildings in Johannesburg city?
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IN VIDEO AND PICS: Joburg’s Bank of Lisbon building demolished
