The R7.7-million project to demolish the Benoni Plaza began on March 20.
Themba Gadebe, spokesperson of the Ekurhuleni, said the site was handed over to the contractor on March 4 and the project commenced on March 20.
According to Ward 73 councillor Sinethemba Matiwane, the Benoni Plaza has been a problematic area for years as it was a health hazard and an eyesore, due to budget, legal matters and other issues delaying the process.
“I am happy to see that the project is finally becoming a reality,” he said.
He added that the project will include the demolishing of nine “problem” buildings identified.
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Demolitions at plaza not to affect tenants
In a previous article published by the City Times (March 4, 2019), the following parts of the plaza were identified to be demolished:
• The building formerly used as the Waterfall Restaurant.
• The building formerly used as the Milky Lane restaurant.
• Dilapidated building structure adjacent to the building previously used as the Milky Lane restaurant.
• The closed underground ablution facility in Prince’s Avenue.
• The concrete roof lapa supported by pillars situated diagonally from the former Milky Lane restaurant will be filled up and levelled to prevent the water that has settled into the hollow spaces as well as the dumping of refuse.
• All other hollow areas/structures prone to being waterlogged and result in containment of refuse will also be filled up and levelled.
Gadebe said the demolished areas will be levelled and resurfaced with suitable hard landscaping.
“The area will remain part of Erf 5693 Benoni and will be part of the subject properties for future use.
“The daily business operations of the plaza will continue during the project as the metro communicated in writing and also held a meeting with the tenants prior to the commencement of the project and will continue to do so during the duration of the project where required.”
