The Department of Public Works in KwaZulu-Natal is making significant progress on addressing the growing problem of deteriorating and underutilized buildings across Durban and the province. In a recent interview with IOL, KZN MEC Martin Meyer shared insights into the ongoing efforts to revitalize these buildings, which have long been seen as a blight on surrounding areas. According to Meyer, a “problem building” is one that not only diminishes the property value of its neighborhood but also attracts criminal activity, contributing to safety and social challenges.
Meyer revealed that the department’s comprehensive audit of state-owned buildings is 43% complete. Unlike many previous assessments, this audit is being conducted in-house, allowing for substantial savings. Meyer emphasized that this is not a superficial review: “We are not just doing a Google Earth look, but we are actually sending out officials to visit the sites and carry out thorough assessments,” he explained. Despite the scale of the task, the MEC noted that the process has been progressing smoothly. Encouragingly, he also highlighted that more than 94% of the department’s buildings are not classified as problem buildings, providing a solid foundation for the department’s focus on a smaller, but more urgent, group of structures.
One of the department’s primary goals is to repurpose these problem buildings, transforming them into functional spaces that serve the community. Meyer shared plans to convert some of the buildings into mixed-use developments for non-profit and non-governmental organizations, community groups, and traditional leaders. “We want to partner with the private sector, either through leases or sales, and make these buildings work for the people,” he said. Some buildings could be divided into commercial spaces, while others could be utilized as office areas, creating an environment where both community and economic activities can thrive.
In addition to repurposing, the department is also collaborating with the eThekwini Municipality to tackle the issue of problem buildings. Meyer pointed to one of the project’s early successes: the handover of an unused school in KwaMashu to the Department of Higher Education. This is just one example of how the department is fast-tracking solutions to bring underutilized spaces back into productive use. “We are moving fast in trying to find solutions,” Meyer added.
A key element of the plan involves active community engagement. The department has reached out to local residents, NGOs, NPOs, and traditional leaders to solicit input on how best to utilize these buildings. Meyer stressed that community feedback is critical, noting that the department had already consulted with local groups to explore potential uses, such as turning vacant buildings into training centers. By fostering this collaboration, the department hopes to create spaces that genuinely serve the needs of the people.
In cases where people are still living in problem buildings, Meyer explained that the department, in partnership with the municipality, is working within legal parameters to ensure that the individuals are relocated in a fair and orderly manner. While some of these buildings are being repurposed, others will undergo renovation to provide adequate accommodation for those who currently reside there. Meyer acknowledged the difficulties of evicting people but emphasized that the department’s ultimate goal is to create a better, safer environment for everyone in the province.
Through its comprehensive approach, the Department of Public Works is making strides to address the issue of problem buildings, transforming them from symbols of decay into assets that contribute to both the local economy and the well-being of the community. The success of this initiative depends on continued collaboration with the private sector, local municipalities, and community stakeholders, all working toward the common goal of revitalizing KwaZulu-Natal’s urban spaces.
