City moves to evict illegal occupants
The former Natal Table Tennis Association building is to be revamped.
ETHEKWINI Municipality is pursuing legal action to secure evictions of the occupants in the Natal Table Tennis Association building in Epsom Road, Greyville.
At a community meeting last week it was mooted that the building had been earmarked for use as a possible shelter for Durban's homeless.
According to the head of communications, Tozi Mthethwa, once the legal process has been finalised, work to seal parts of the building will be undertaken.
“There are no plans at this stage to use the building as a shelter for the homeless, but the eradication of dilapidated buildings is part of the City’s ongoing urban renewal strategy. We encourage residents to report dilapidated buildings so that they can be investigated,” said Mthethwa.
The municipality's investigation includes profiling the building, contacting the owners, assessing the problem whether it be nuisance or if it poses a health or structural risk, and investigating any suspected criminal activity.
The building was highlighted in Berea Mail in September last year, following complaints by a resident about the state of the building and the fact that vagrants had taken over the premises.
Resident, Wayne Grundy at the time suggested the building be refurbished and turned into something like the Ark for the destitute as it was located centrally.
The community is encouraged to report safety and security infringements to 031 361 0000.
Any complaints regarding dilapidated buildings must be reported to 031 322 4760 for investigation.
