WHILE eThekwini Municipality struggles with the challenges of hijacked and derelict state buildings, the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is taking proactive measures to address a similar issue in Montclair.

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Residents raised safety concerns

Most recently, residents raised safety concerns regarding a derelict building on Hoopoe Lane in Yellowwood Park. Residents have complained that the building is an eyesore and is becoming a breeding ground for criminals.

National government’s strategic plans on derelict buildings

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, said his department has taken a decision to dispose of the building on Hoopoe Lane. His commitment is in line with signing a memorandum of understanding in November last year.

“We have taken a decision that we would be disposing of that property in the next round of our disposals. We want to make sure that it is correctly used and whatever has been happening in that building has to come to an end,” said Macpherson.

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Ministerial spokesperson, James de Villiers, said Macpherson signed a historic memorandum of understanding with KZN Provincial Government and eThekwini Municipality to issue requests for proposals for under-utilised buildings in the province and the city.

“In the first round of requests for proposals issued in December, three national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure properties in Durban were included, with similar actions replicated for properties owned by the province and the city.

“Requests for proposals mean that entities within the public or private sectors may submit proposals for the buildings in question. These proposals may include redevelopment, public/ private partnerships, or even the sale of the building. Successful proposals will be evaluated by the department before a final decision is made,” said De Villiers.

He said the initiative is part of the minister’s efforts to ensure that public property no longer stands empty or derelict, thereby attracting crime, but instead contributes meaningfully to the communities in which they are located.

“The minister has indicated that 7 Hoopoe Lane will be part of the next round of requests for proposals, which will likely be issued later this year.

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“This programme forms part of the department’s broader initiative to utilise public assets for the good of the public by ensuring that publicly-owned buildings no longer stand empty, but are fully utilised. A task team has been formed between the city, province and national department to develop a list of properties that need to be earmarked for requests for proposals,” De Villiers added.

He said the minister has received several complaints about the state of public sector buildings in Montclair and the larger Durban.

“This feedback is one of the reasons why the minister launched this first-of-its-kind programme,” said De Villiers.

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