UPDATE: Billionaire Vivian Reddy hits back at Concerned Citizens Group
A group of KwaDukuza residents are blocking his planned new mall and civic centre
Billionaire property developer Vivian Reddy is threatening to sue a group of KwaDukuza residents who are blocking his planned new mall and civic centre.
The KwaDukuza Concerned Citizens Group (CCG) could be facing a R10 million damages claim after the Durban High Court last week dismissed their application for construction of the King Shaka mall to be halted, on the grounds that the tender process had been flawed and that the town would lose valuable sporting facilities.
Afterwards, Reddy lashed out at the group, accusing it of being a proxy for a few local businessmen who did not want competition.
“Their frivolous objections have prevented and delayed the execution of the project. We have incurred major costs from the delays and more importantly over 2 500 people were denied employment opportunities as the mall could have been completed a year ago.
“It is my intention to sue for damages totalling of R10 million including legal costs.”
Controversy around the mall has raged since the tender was awarded to Reddy in 2014. The CCG have accused the KwaDukuza municipality of conducting the tender process unfairly and are outraged that there is no clear plan for a replacement sports precinct. They accuse Reddy of using the mall as a cover for a casino.
CCG chairperson Haroon Mahommedy said the group was disappointed with the outcome.
“However, preparation for a High Court review of the council’s decision to sell the properties and the procedures it followed to give effect to its decision is still underway. The effect of the judgment effectively gives the developer permission to enter these properties and commence construction. Reddy does so at his own risk as the court in the review proceedings can very well decide in the CCG’s favour.”
The plans for the development, which are awaiting final approval by the municipality, make provision for a 30 000 sq. m. shopping mall, civic centre, one-stop centre for government services and amphitheatre.
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