R28 million to demolish China Emporium in Durban
eThekwini Municipality is moving ahead with plans to demolish the fire damaged China Emporium building in the CBD.
The city says the structure's become a public safety hazard as it's unstable and is at risk of collapse.
A blaze ripped through the complex in January last year.
Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana says R28 million has been set aside for the demolition, set to get under way soon.
The funds will be recovered from the developer.
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"A structural engineer’s report received days after the fire recommended that the entire building be demolished," says Sisilana.
"Due to non-action by the owners, the municipality approached court for the demolition of the building to be granted through a court order. In September 2022, the building owner, Zoloscore Investments (Pty) Ltd was directed to demolish the structure within six months.
"This was not done and as such, Zoloscore Investments (Pty) Ltd is technically in breach of the court order which empowers the municipality to demolish the building and recover the costs from the building owner. This means the municipality equally has a legal obligation to act."
