Municipality to tackle neglected buildings

The eThekwini Municipality is making inroads to address the problem buildings challenge in the inner city, with around 32 buildings having already been identified for the repair and recovery programme.

A further 29 buildings have been successfully dealt with to date since the inception of the Problem Building Division in 2019, said eThekwini city manager Musa Mbhele. This includes the revamping of buildings by the property owners in the inner city, particularly in the Mahatma Gandhi Precinct and the City Ports Precinct in Durban.

As part of the repair and recovery programme, contractors have been appointed to paint, repair, clean, and secure identified problem buildings. The Problem Buildings Division has further undertaken the painting of murals on some buildings to improve the streetscape, added Mr Mbhele.

“The Problem Buildings work stream is a critical part of the inner-city regeneration team. It is exciting to see the successes they are enjoying through innovative offerings to property owners while working in accordance with required legislation,” said Mr Mbhele.

“The Problem Buildings Division is leading the cause of urban regeneration by preventing any further vandalism and limiting unauthorised occupation of problem buildings. This is also implemented in areas outside of the inner city and outer regions on a priority basis, but the focus is on the inner city.”

Incentives have been created by the city to assist problem building owners to ensure their buildings are of an acceptable standard. Mr Mbhele said one such motivation is the building wrap incentive that permits third party advertising in specific areas.

The revenue obtained from this process can then be used to renovate the building and pay any municipal debts, he added. Others include reduction of fees and fast tracking of applications within the Development Planning, Environment and Management Unit, a South African Revenue Services tax incentive, and an Economic Development Incentive.

“Property owners who refuse to abide by the applicable legislation can face a severe rates code change which increases their rates substantially in line with the rates policy. This could lead to their buildings being expropriated or sold in execution. Property owners are urged to work with the Problem Buildings Division who will be able to guide them on the renovation process,” added Mr Mbhele.