Durban - eThekwini Municipality announced this week that approximately 80 "bad" buildings within the City would be demolished to make way for new developments.
The City said of the 80 buildings set to be demolished; 39 buildings are within the Mahatma Gandhi Precinct.
The decision was made following a green light by the courts.
City spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said bad buildings have been plaguing the City for quite some time by becoming drug dens, brothels and homes for vagrants to the detriment of residents.
The City said it was committed to working with the private sector in eradicating bad buildings for purposes such as commercial, student accommodation, social housing, and social facilities required to address the above mentioned social ills.
"Owners of bad buildings who have gone under the radar neglecting them at the expense of the Municipality are warned to come forward or risk losing their property, " said Mayisela.