South Africa’s government is taking a new approach by involving private companies to help rejuvenate its neglected inner-city buildings.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has pinpointed 16 state-owned buildings in eThekwini, which includes Durban, for this initiative.
Dean Macpherson, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, announced that requests for proposals will soon be published to find ways to repurpose these “neglected” properties to better serve the community.
This move comes amid growing concerns about the deteriorating conditions in central areas of cities like Durban and Johannesburg, where many state-owned buildings have been abandoned and taken over by squatters.
The government, which is the largest real estate owner in South Africa, aims to end the era of empty state buildings that attract crime and deter investment.
“The days of state buildings standing empty, attracting crime to communities and chasing away investment is coming to an end,” Macpherson said in a speech in Durban on Wednesday.
“The days of the state hanging onto properties it doesn’t need – or is unable to maintain – is coming to an end.”
Among the buildings set for refurbishment is the historic Seamen’s Institute Building, dating back to around 1900.
This initiative, a first for the department, will be expanded nationwide. Macpherson, a member of the Democratic Alliance, was appointed in June following a coalition government formation after the May elections.
eThekwini, located in KwaZulu-Natal province, is a significant contributor to the country’s GDP and population. However, the region has faced challenges such as riots, floods, water rationing, and pollution, impacting its economy.
The Department of Public Works has released a list of 16 properties in KwaZulu-Natal for private development proposals. This includes hotels, office buildings, and warehouses in Durban. The initiative aims to engage various sectors to find innovative uses for these prime properties.
“Soon, these properties will be released for requests for proposals to help us find solutions on how we should use them,” said Macpherson.
He highlighted the potential for historic buildings to be revitalized through public-private partnerships, benefiting both public and commercial users.
“This is a strong signal to the property and private sector, not only in KwaZulu-Natal but across the country, that we are putting words into action,” he said.
The properties include a mix of residential and commercial spaces, with notable locations such as the National Department of Public Works building on Anton Lembede Street and the Palm Beach Hotel on Gillespie Street.
The exact dates for proposal submissions have yet to be announced, but the addresses of the properties are listed for interested parties.
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