eThekwini spends R15m hiring ICC as City Hall repairs drag on

The eThekwini Municipality has allocated R15 million over the past three years to hire the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) for use as a council meeting venue due to ongoing renovations at the Durban City Hall Auditorium. The renovations, which commenced in March 2024, are expected to be finished by June 2028 due to extensive repairs required after the collapse of ceiling portions, storm damage, and other issues.

Municipality ward councillor Samier Singh raised concerns about the renovation delays and inquired about the comparative costs of alternative council venues. He noted that the Durban City Hall had been unavailable for council meetings even before the Covid-19 pandemic. The municipality responded that the renovations are carried out in phases due to their complexity and financial considerations, and that hiring the ICC does not result in a financial loss for the municipality. Rather, it represents an internal transfer of funds.

While hiring the ICC generates socio-economic benefits, such as temporary employment for security personnel and others, the municipality argues that the renovation costs exceed the total expenditure on hiring the ICC. They also state that the renovations will yield sustainable long-term benefits for over 30 years, as the Auditorium Hall Hire and other socio-economic benefits will be generated after completion.

However, legitimate concerns remain about the city hall's suitability as a permanent council meeting venue, and a permanent, fit-for-purpose council chamber is part of broader proposed infrastructure development plans.