Nkosenhle Sibisi

Construction of the infamous oThongathi Mall is set to begin at the end of the month, following a tragic collapse in 2013.

In a statement sent to the media today, eThekwini spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela, has said the new developers have started demolishing the previous structure which collapsed in 2013.

It was reported that the structure failure claimed at least two lives and left many workers badly injured when a concrete slab fell on them.  A commission of inquiry found that the incident occurred due to the non-compliance and proper inspection by the then contractor.

The new developers, Durban-based AJ Property Holdings, take over the controversial construction company Gralio Precast.

eThekwini’s deputy head of economic development projects, Nkululeko Mkhize, has said that to ensure full compliance, the city was working with the new developers in terms of plan approvals as well as occupational health and safety.

“This will prevent any inaccuracies and ensure employees are safe and that the developers deliver a quality standard structure to the community,” he said.

AJ Property Holdings spokesperson, Owen Nxumalo, said during the construction, they plan to employ 500 people from the surrounding communities.

“Once the mall is operational, we project to open up to 350 employment opportunities created by tenants and service providers,” he said. 

He further said that during the construction of the mall, local suppliers and businesses will be given an opportunity to act as subcontractors and supply materials.

Picture: IOL