City leading by example in demolishing bad buildings

THE MUNICIPALITY is leading by example by demolishing one of its own problem buildings at 97 Ingcuce Street in the central business district. The building was demolished after years of being in a dilapidated state. The demolition is yet another success of the Problem Buildings Division, whose objective is to encourage and enforce the renovation of problem buildings by property owners. The City intends using the now vacant site for a mixed-use development.

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.

Recognising the persistence of this problem, the City engaged in consistent dialogue with the affected traders to prepare for a proposed mixed-use, high-rise development, with commercial facilities occupying the ground floor. After careful planning, the Business Support Unit confirmed a solution was reached to accommodate the traders at Ascot Park, providing them with adequate storage facilities for their goods and equipment. The traders were successfully relocated on 22

May 2023. With the necessary processes concluded, the Business Support Unit secured the requisite demolition permit from both eThekwini Municipality and AMAFA. The appointed contractor took over the site on 23 May

2023, and the demolition works were completed on 25 May.

The site, once cleared of all remaining rubble and debris, will be secured, and the scheduled redevelopment project will continue.

This successful demolition

97 Ingcuce Street was demolished by the City. The site will be used as a mixed-use development in the future.

Picture: SUPPLIED operation is testament to the Problem Buildings Division’s recent accelerated interventions and efforts, achieved through robust collaboration with all responsible departments. The City encourages property owners to regularly maintain their properties.

A step in the right direction for ward 78

A ONCE dangerous alley has been modified and rebuilt into a safe communal pedestrian passage in ward 78, uMlazi K Section. This ward is under Councillor Zakhele Mnomiya.

Councillor Mnomiya said the alley was unsafe and was becoming a major concern for residents.

“Residents were worried that the alley was dark and was a hive for potential criminal activity and illegal dumping.

He said the project started in December last year and experienced several setbacks which delayed the initial completion date.

“We experienced several challenges during the project, including material being stolen, uncontrollable weather conditions, and a contractor who then hired a sub-contractor which further delayed the process,” he said.

“We know that the community of uMlazi is regarded as one of the most dangerous townships in the country. This is one of many initiatives we have embarked on to heed eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda’s clarion call to eradicate crime in our communities,” Councillor Mnomiya said.

Ward 78 will also be rolling various service projects such as housing developments, road infrastructure, and similar crime prevention projects including more pedestrian passages. vuyani.dimba@durban.gov.za

A pedestrian passage that was modified in ward 78 will allow for the ease of movement for residents.

VUYANI DIMBA

WARD 41 Councilor

Nhlanhla Sibisi is working to make a difference in his ward, one tree at a time. He recently rolled up his sleeves when he visited Sbonise Primary School in KwaMashu J Section to plant trees and hand over school supplies.

The project, themed ‘One tree, one hope’ aims to change the community’s mindset about climate change and taking care of the environment.

“The public needs to understand the escalating climate change and global pandemic the world faces. We need to start protecting and taking care of the environment. Trees are fundamental to life, and I want to impart this with the youth,” said Councillor Sibisi.

He said by encouraging learners to plant trees, it was a small way for them to make a difference.

“We should encourage this practice as a way of life,” he said.

He said the public and government needed to work together to mitigate climate change.

Councillor Sibisi was supported by the ward committee members, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit, and the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit. Principal Ncami Mpungose expressed her gratitude for the initiative.

“The importance of planting trees and understanding environmental change is vital. Trees give life and food and help to filter rainwater and improve water quality,” she said.

Ward 41 Councillor Nhlanhla Sibisi initiated a tree planting programme at Sbonise Primary School in partnership with government institutions and Municipal departments.