CoJ will honour Marshalltown fire victims with housing, says mayor

JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda says the city will honour the victims of the tragic Marshalltown fire by refurbishing and repurposing dilapidated properties in the CDB.

In August last year, 77 people died and hundreds more were displaced when a raging blaze engulfed the hijacked Usindiso Building in the inner city.

Speaking during his State of the City Address on Thursday, Gwamanda committed to improving the quality of housing and student accommodations.

The Democratic Alliance claims there are over 180 hijacked buildings in the inner city alone, and the Johannesburg Property Company has confirmed at least 57 of them are owned by the city.

READ: Man claiming to be responsible for Usindiso building fire due in court soon

It has emerged that informal settlements with zinc and cardboard shacks have mushroomed inside some hijacked properties – which emergency services have deemed a disaster waiting to happen.

Gwamanda said the city owed it to victims of the Marshalltown fire to establish dignified housing in the CBD.

 "As the city we appreciate that there is opportunity and potential in seeking meaningful partnerships, wherein we may invite private sector investment into the city’s property portfolio with an intention to repurpose and rehabilitate buildings within the inner city and across all our regions."

He said efforts under way to prevent another tragic fire.