Tragic child death exposes Durban’s building maintenance crisis

THE tragic death of Aphile Dlamini at the HOMii property in the Durban CBD, has once again exposed a grim, and quite avoidable reality and tragedy.

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The dire consequences of neglect in building maintenance have resulted in pain to a family, and long-lasting effects of what is an unbearable loss of a child, and a sibling.

This, however, is not an isolated incident, and incidents such as this will not be the last. There is the sad reality of the property owners who will take risks, chances to make money by renting out premises, and the destitute who have no option but to rent out premises that is dilapidated and dangerous.

Currently there are the voices that ring out to make the unfairness brought to the attention of those in the municipality, the politicians and authorities. However, the fact is, this will be left to be buried much like the child that has perished. The decay that permeates the city of Durban is something that has been going on for decades.

The loss of lives, threats to woman and children are overshadowed by the greed of property owners, who seem to be above the law, and who have no accountability.

Traditionally and legally, the right to own property is not merely a financial acquisition of an asset or business venture, but it also carries a legal and a moral obligation to those who inhabit these properties in the form of tenants.

The tenant has the right to live in a safe, secure and habitable premises, and pay rent, and the landlord has the obligation to manage and maintain the building so that safety, clean environment and basic services are provided to the tenant. It is not much to expect that owners and managing agents must assume responsibility for ensuring that the structure, facilities and environment are safe and fit for habitation.