City demolishes ‘problem building’

THE eThekwini Municipality demolished one of its problem buildings in the Central Business District this week. In a statement, the eThekwini Municipality said it plans to use the now vacant site for a mixed-use development.

The building, located at 97 Ingcuce Street, was left in a dilapidated state for years, which impacted negatively on the aesthetics of the precinct.

The City said it led by example by demolishing the building – a feat that marked a victory for the Problem Buildings Division – which aims to encourage property owners to renovate problem buildings.

Also read: Architects comment on Ocean Terminal Building demolition

“In 2010, the City initiated a comprehensive programme aimed at enhancing its urban landscape. As part of this initiative, the property at 97 Ingcuce Street, also known as the Saira Essa Building, was earmarked for full demolition. Owing to legal proceedings initiated by traders using the premises for storage purposes, only a partial demolition was carried out at the time,” said the City.

What followed was a consistent dialogue with the affected traders to prepare for a proposed mixed-use, high-rise development, with commercial facilities occupying the ground floor.

Also read: Plans afoot to demolish Ocean Terminal Building

“An agreement was eventually reached to accommodate the traders at Ascot Park where they would have adequate storage facilities for their goods and equipment. The traders were successfully relocated on the 22nd of this month.  With the necessary processes concluded, the Business Support Unit secured the requisite demolition permit from both eThekwini Municipality and AMAFA. A contractor took over the site and pavements on May 23, and the demolition was completed two days later,” said the City.

The City said this successful demolition operation is a testament to the Problem Buildings Division’s efforts in collaboration with other departments, including the Business Support Unit, Human Settlements, Architectural Services and Metro Police.

The site is currently in the process of being cleared of all remaining rubble and debris. Once this process is concluded, the property will be secured, and the scheduled redevelopment project will continue.

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