Today, a section of the China Emporium building in central Durban is being demolished. The building has been engulfed in fires twice in the last two years.
The owners were ordered by a court to demolish the structure on Doctor Pixley Kaseme Street, but they couldn't because of financial constraints.
eThekwini was then given the approval to proceed with its demolition.
Acting Head of Development Planning at the city, Sibusiso Ndebele, described the multi-storey building as a public safety hazard and an eyesore.
"They have a tight deadline to finish everything by June. That building will be gone. Also, remember that approximately R15 million is involved.
“We used a lot of dynamite for that explosion. We don't want to destabilize the integrity of the building next door."
