On Friday, September 13, KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, is set to conduct an oversight inspection at the Palm Beach Hotel in Durban. This is part of a broader initiative aimed at reclaiming Durban Hijacked Buildings and unused buildings across the province.
The Palm Beach Hotel, once a thriving establishment, has been identified as one of many buildings that have either been hijacked or left unused. The department aims to reclaim such properties to tackle ongoing urban decay. “The issue of hijacked and unutilised buildings is one that MEC Meyer has brought into the spotlight,” the department said in a statement. “Hundreds of these structures, many belonging to the department, have been identified. Some of the interventions include repurposing, reusing, or reselling problematic buildings, as part of the provincial department’s over 13,000 assets, according to ongoing audits.”
The department’s focus is not just limited to reclaiming the buildings but also addressing broader issues linked to urban safety and community revitalisation. By transforming these buildings, the province seeks to address the criminal elements often associated with such abandoned structures.
Key Discussions with eThekwini Municipality
Later that day, MEC Meyer will meet with eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba, to discuss challenges and solutions surrounding hijacked buildings, the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and municipal rates. The eThekwini Municipality plays a critical role in combating the problem, as it is a hotspot for hijacked and abandoned buildings.
The partnership between the provincial department and the municipality is crucial in addressing the issue at its core. Durban’s inner city, with its high concentration of hijacked buildings, is seen as a key target for these reclamation efforts. The municipality’s involvement is vital in ensuring long-term solutions are implemented.
MEC Meyer’s initiative not only promises to recover valuable assets but also aims to restore the dignity and safety of Durban’s urban environment.