



The Gauteng Infrastructure Development Department has released details regarding the demolition of the Bank of Lisbon building in the Johannesburg CBD on Sunday. The public will be able to view the implosion.

The provincial government announced in March that it intended to demolish the structure after a fire in September 2018 claimed the lives of three firefighters.

The memorial service for the three firefighters killed while fighting the Bank of Lisbon building fire in Johannesburg. Picture: Katleho Sekhotho/EWN

RELATED: [LISTEN] Firefighters who survived Bank of Lisbon fire share their story

A structural assessment found that the building sustained extensive structural damage in the blaze.

Another report also found that it had not been safe for occupation in the first place.

RELATED: 10 floors of Bank of Lisbon were non-compliant

EWN's Mia Lindeque reports that about 2,000 people will be evacuated from surrounding buildings on Sunday ahead of the demolition set to start at around 9:30 am.

The affected streets will be cordoned off on Saturday.

It's quite a big operation to ensure that they don't damage buildings nearby. Police will be involved in removing any cars still parked in the affected streets. Mia Lindeque, EWN reporter

She says the demolition is a long-awaited event which will bring back memories of the fatal fire.

It is such a reminder for people and families who went through this traumatic ordeal. Mia Lindeque, EWN reporter

She says exact details of the plans for the construction of a new building on the site will be announced later this year.

In March next year they will clearing the premises of all the rubble and the government says they will start with a new building to house government officials. Mia Lindeque, EWN reporter

Listen to the update here: