Ethekwini's hijacked building programme is showing results, says deputy city manager
The hijacking of buildings is a national challenge, says eThekwini deputy city manager Philip Sithole.“Unfortunately it is a very lengthy process. We are working with the owners of those buildings [regarding] renovations required. Some have been renovated and are now occupied by legal occupants. Some have been turned into students' accommodation. Our programme is a staggered one based on certain zones within the city.
“We have programmes in [place and they are working well]. We think by this time next year we would have achieved a lot in terms of dealing with the city’s dilapidated buildings,” he said. “For example, we had social housing that was invaded. We went there because the owner wanted to evict military veterans who we had to provide houses for. We made arrangements for that. But where there are municipal buildings, the municipality must evict,” she said.
“We also encouraged private sector investors to work with local businesses and forums. Many of them have listened to that and are working with business forums and they’ve not had problems.