FOLLOWING the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last year, the work to transform run-down buildings in eThekwini Municipality remains a priority for both the City and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

This week, Mayor Cyril Xaba and MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure Martin Meyer met with officials to discuss details of how this critical intervention can be fast-tracked and streamlined to ensure successful eradication of derelict buildings and change the face of the city. This initiative is part of government’s effort to attract investment into the city.

“The joint initiative is aimed at jointly tackling the issue of hijacked and abandoned buildings, and by doing so address various needs such as housing, social services, among others,” said Xaba.

In September 2024, Meyer led a delegation of officials during an oversight at two buildings owned by the department in South Beach and the Durban harbour, namely Palm Beach Hotel and Seaman’s Institute.

Meyer explained that these buildings were in the process of being handed over to the eThekwini Municipality, which will utilise them to address the issue of housing shortages in the city. He emphasised that it was for this reason that it is important that a conference, earmarked to be held before the end of the year, mobilises national and provincial governments as well as the private sector so that a synchronised solution can be found.

Also read: More resources needed to deal with mushrooming problem buildings

The illegally occupied residential structures can be identified through:
• Illegal residents;
• Draping illegal power connections;
• Several fires in recent years which have claimed a handful of lives;
• Overcrowding;
• Ongoing dilapidation further compromising structural integrity.

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here