WATCH: China Emporium in Durban turns to dust
A portion of the China Emporium building in central Durban's being demolished today.
Fires have engulfed the building twice in the last two years.
A court ordered the owners to demolish the structure on Doctor Pixley Kaseme Street, but they couldn't because of financial constraints.
eThekwini was then given the green light to move forward with its destruction.
Acting Head of Development Planning at the city, Sibusiso Ndebele, has described the multi-storey building as a public safety hazard and an eyesore.
"They have a tight deadline and finish everything by June. That building will be gone. Also, remember that there is approximately R15 million there.
“That explosion, we used a lot of dynamite. We don't want to destabilise the integrity of the building next door."
Demolition of the China Emporium Mall located on Dr Pixley Ke Seme road. The condemned building was burned down in 2022 and caught fire last year. pic.twitter.com/a2l9CvYPih
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) April 26, 2024
