The eThekwini Municipality has dismissed reports of a collapsing building in the Durban CBD saying a massive signboard fell off the ABSA Bank building at the corner of Anton Lembede Street and Dorothy Nyembe Street yesterday.

Initial reports from Durban Metro Police had indicated that the building was near collapse, forcing the closure of Dorothy Nyembe Street from Dr Pixley KaSeme Street and Anton Lembede Street from Samora Machel Street.

Colonel Boysie Zungu of the Durban Metro Police said that emergency services were on the scene and that the structural safety of the building was being investigated.

Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana, however, dismissed the possible collapse of the ABSA Bank building.

She said, “The city’s Fire and Emergency Service teams are working to remove a massive signboard which fell off the ABSA Bank building onto the street below and which currently poses a danger to pedestrians and motorists.

“The collapse was caused by strong winds which affected the high-rise building in the CBD. No injuries have been reported. Contrary to earlier reports, the city wishes to clarify that it was not a building that collapsed.”

Sisilana further confirmed the partial re-opening of the affected roads in the CBD.

“The public is urged to note that Dr Pixley KaSeme Street is closed to traffic proceeding to Dorothy Nyembe Street and from Samora Machel Street. Traffic is being redirected to avoid Anton Lembede Street westbound.

“However, two lanes on Anton Lembede and Gardiner streets are open to ease traffic flow. Metro police are on site to divert traffic and to ensure public safety. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to prevent delays,” added Sisilana.