eThekwini gets green light to destroy fire-damaged China Emporium
The green light's been given to eThekwini to demolish the fire-damaged China Emporium building in the CBD.
Firefighters last year took almost a week to extinguish the blaze at the multi-storey structure which left 13 people injured.
Vagrants staying in the abandoned building are suspected to have started another fire this month.
READ: WATCH: Another fire at China Emporium in Durban
eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda says they've been locked in a legal battle with property owner Zoloscore Investments after a court last year ordered the company to start the demolition process.
He says council has given the city the go ahead to move forward with the destruction - with the company covering the costs.
"It also poses threats to the investment and tourism of this city to have a building like that remaining without being demolished it doesn't add any value on our investment attractions as well as tourism."
"Yes we do have other buildings were courts have given us authority to demolish and we have demolished those buildings."
The estimated budget allocated for the demolition is R28.9 million.
ALSO READ: R28 million to demolish China Emporium in Durban
The court ordered the owners to cover all costs incurred by the municipality during the demolition and clean-up process.
