Public Works refutes Durban 'building donation'
eThekwini might have jumped the gun in announcing that it is receiving three buildings from the Department of Public Works.
The City issued a statement this week saying the West Point Lodge, Palm Beach Hotel and Seaman's Institute had been donated to the municipality by Public Works.
However, the department's Mbulelo Baloyi says no agreement has been reached as yet.
Baloyi says they are still waiting for eThekwini's bid before making a final decision on whether or not the buildings will be signed over.
"The matter is still under discussion, but the basis to do so was based on the agreement that eThekwini Municipality has to produce a plan as to what it wants to do with the buildings," he said.
Baloyi says the buildings had also been offered to varsities in the city, but they declined to bid.
eThekwini said it would spend R5.5-million on renovating the buildings.
Its statement said they have been earmarked for social housing.
However, the department's Mbulelo Baloyi says no agreement has been reached as yet.
Baloyi says they are still waiting for eThekwini's bid before making a final decision on whether or not the buildings will be signed over.
"The matter is still under discussion, but the basis to do so was based on the agreement that eThekwini Municipality has to produce a plan as to what it wants to do with the buildings," he said.
Baloyi says the buildings had also been offered to varsities in the city, but they declined to bid.
eThekwini said it would spend R5.5-million on renovating the buildings.
Its statement said they have been earmarked for social housing.