Construction of collapsed temple catches authorities by surprise

THE eThekwini Municipality had declined to grant approval for construction near the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, Verulam, Durban because the land was zoned as a conservation reserve.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba said that between 2022 and 2023, the City received two building plans from the land trustees.

The temple is situated on the River Range Ranch in Redcliffe. It is believed the property, which is home to the Vrindavan Eco Village, is owned by the Vick and Helena Panday Family Trust. Vick Panday was one of the five people killed when the building collapsed on Friday.

“Both applications were refused because the land on which construction was proposed was zoned as a conservation reserve,” Xaba said.

“I also want to confirm that the four-storey building was erected without the necessary approvals from eThekwini Municipality, and unauthorised work was not observed during the course of construction and therefore no inspections were carried out.”