The unsightly building in Crieff Place is one of the successes of the Problem Building Division. The building was demolished and access to the property sealed off.

ETHEKWINI Municipality is undertaking a process to rid the City of problem buildings and has intensified efforts to collaborate with property owners. The Problem Buildings Division encourages property owners, whose building have been deemed unsafe for occupation, to contact them or face future closure. Deputy City Manager of Economic Development Lihle Phewa said the division has already identified approximately 40 buildings and has begun the process to serve relevant notices. “This is being done in accordance with the National Building Regulations and Standards Act and the Problem Building By-laws,” he said.

A problem building can be identified as one that is among others derelict, abandoned, hijacked, is structurally unsound and has been unlawfully erected. If there is non-compliance by the property owner after the notice period has expired, the Municipality will approach the High Court to carry out remedial work, apply for a demolition order, request for the appointment of a judicial administrator, request for a sale in execution or expropriate the property and building. All costs incurred will be to the owner’s account. Owners can however, partner with the Municipality to put together an action plan with time frames on how to turn the problem building around.

Hijacked and problem buildings present a social issue which includes issues of homelessness, crime, and drugs that is often found in these areas. For more information contact 031 311 7245 or email:problem.buildings@durban.gov.za. Alternatively, you can visit Municipal offices for assistance at First Floor, Room 130, 166 K. E. Masinga Road, City Engineer’s Building, Durban. sohana.singh@durban.gov.za