Durban - The JL Dube Presidential House in Durban is now fit to live in after R7.2 million in renovations were recently completed.
The Department of Public Works renovated the residence because it was damaged by storms in 2016. It is a heritage site with a total of seven buildings.
The department conducted a comprehensive investigation and feasibility studies for renovations to take place.
Renovations began in February last year and were expected to take eight months to complete at a cost of R12.7m.
Department spokesperson Thamsanqa Mchunu said general repairs and renovations were completed as per the approved completion date.
“The project was completed within the budget and did not exceed it. The final project value was R7.2m.”
According to Mchunu, roof repairs to the main house, repairs and renovations to the housekeeper’s flat, repairs and renovations to the guest house and repairs and renovations, including the replacement of the roof to the house manager’s house, were all completed within the project period.
“Upgrading of security installations (camera and scanner) was removed during the project construction period due to requirement of reviewing the details of the scope of works,” he said.
The residence, previously known as King’s House, was renamed in 2012 after the founding ANC president, John Langalibalele Dube.