Local economist decries decay in Durban inner city

Professor Bonke Dumisa took to his social media this week to express his shock at the state of Durban's inner city.

He says the city's buildings used to be a tourist attraction but now have become an eyesore due to lack of maintenance.

He says central Durban was once a hub of opportunities but has now turned into a haven for criminals.

"We need to have government, both local and national structures, to say how do we save Durban and remove the inconsistencies that are costing the country a lot of money. It must also not only be the duty of the government but even us, as ordinary citizens must be equally responsible."

Professor Dumisa's family has for years had a private mailbox at the historical Post Office building which has been around for over a century.

He says he feels it's no longer safe as the building is a security risk and health hazard.

 READ:  Durban police target hotspots in CBD anti-crime drive

"It's not safe enough when you're walking through the aisles which are packed and all the doors are closed. And should there be a fire it will be a hazard, that one simply can't get out of. Then outside, it's really dirty."

Earlier this month, eThekwini Metro Police and the police teamed up for an anti-crime drive in the Durban CBD.

They said they'd be boosting patrols in crime hotspots and ridding the streets of drugs as part of efforts to make central Durban safe again.