Durban — Some of Durban’s flood-damaged retail markets including the well-known English Market on Julius Nyerere (Warwick) Avenue are in a dilapidated state.
The city needs R8 million to carry out repairs.
The economic development and planning committee has tabled a report before the eThekwini executive committee requesting approval to prioritise the business support, markets and tourism units’ capital budget funds in order to address the dire situation of the ageing retail market infrastructure and disaster-damaged small business facilities.
The matter will also come under discussion at the eThekwini full council meeting on Friday.
The buildings identified in the report for renovation were the English Market building, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) office park on Johannes Nkosi (Alice) Street, Entuthukweni Business Hive on Flower Road in Clairwood, the eMahawini Hive in Bhejane Road and Auto Hub in Illovo.
According to the report, the city provides affordable working spaces in the informal economy and retail markets for informal businesses operating within the eThekwini Municipality on a rental agreement basis. Therefore the unit has the responsibility of ensuring that these buildings are in a condition conducive for occupation and for business.
“The English Market and other business hives are now in a dilapidated state and the budget allocated to upgrade these buildings is insufficient,” stated the report.
The project requires a sum of R12.3 million for the current financial year while available funds amount to only R4.3m. Savings of R18m have been identified in the Durban Tourism office funds budget.
The bulk sales hall, later known as the English Market, was built in October 1935. It sold bagged produce, fodder and poultry and ever since has been an iconic feature in Durban. In April this year, a fire ripped through one of the stores causing considerable damage to one side of the building.
Daily News