THE Mass Discounters distribution centre in Durban, which suffered extensive damage due to the July civil unrest last year, has been demolished.
The work was completed by demolition specialists, the Phoenician Group.
“The building posed a major health and safety risk, and the steel frame was compromised to the point where there was no alternative but to demolish the entire structure,” says Phoenecian Contracts Manager Sne’ Khanyile.
Demolition expert Richard Kelly said that the structure presented a challenge as it had a high apex on a section that was still standing upright. “Half the building had collapsed to the ground and that was our starting point.”
Demolition grapple attachments were transported from Johannesburg, while additional equipment was sourced from another project in close vicinity. Scrap metal from the site will be recycled.
“All that remains on-site are a couple of concrete structures that will be assessed for a possible expansion, but we suspect that these are not structurally sound and will be condemned,” says Kelly.
“There are still a lot of structures in KwaZulu-Natal in a similar condition, and we are looking at various additional projects in the province,” says Khanyile.
