MANANGING director of the Joburg Property Company (JPC), Helen Botas, told the Usindiso Building Commission of Inquiry that the burnt-down structure will be demolished.
The decision comes as the integrity of the building has been jeopardised following the fatal fire in August 2023.
"After the building burnt down, it was made safe, and all structural studies were carried out. The building hasn't been structurally sound since the fire broke out and therefore, we as the JPC have to demolish the building on behalf of the City of Joburg. We've applied for the demolition certificate and should receive it in two to three weeks' time," Helen said.
It has been six months since the tragic fire in the hijacked building in Marshalltown, which killed 76 people, injured 60 others and left many homeless.
Only now is the city making plans to demolish Usindiso before it's hijacked again.
But this is another solution the city has to deal with habitable buildings and try to "fix up the inner-city".
ALSO READ: Marshalltown fire: City officials in hot seat
Through the inner-city property release programme, which began in 2011, Helen said the city was able to release around 100 properties in 2018 to be redeveloped for the private sector.
This, in turn, would benefit not only housing but the city's economy, she said.
While the city has been able to identify these buildings that need to be redeveloped, Helen said it has a responsibility to provide alternative housing for those who occupy these buildings.
However, the process is not easy as many would have to move out of the city due to limited space.
According to Helen, residents are reluctant, believing that moving out of the city would be too expensive.
This problem still exists as the city plans to redevelop many other "bad buildings" in Joburg.
But for all the solutions for dealing with these habitable buildings, the head of the enquiry, Ishmael Semenya, told Helen that this doesn't do justice to the 76 people who died.
He claims that there has been no recognition from the public.
"To date, there's been no acknowledgement from any level of government of this tragedy or whether it is regrettable, or not."
