The Umbilo Business Association (UBA) is concerned about the relocation of residents from the Dalton Hostel to a temporary shelter.

The eThekwini Municipality stated that a total of 144 residents have been accommodated at the temporary facility on Eaton Road, in line with the approved tenant allocation under the Community Residential Units (CRU) upgrade programme.

Gugu Sisilana, the eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, explained that the refurbishment of Dalton Hostel Block B forms part of the city’s ongoing CRU upgrades, which seek to improve living conditions and ensure safe and compliant accommodation for residents.

She said the refurbishment is expected to be completed soon, adding that the project has been budgeted at almost R22 million.

However, the UBA stated that the use of unsuitable commercial premises for high-density temporary residential accommodation raises serious legal and compliance questions.

Doran Subiah, the chairperson of the UBA, stated that the placement of temporary residents at this location has caused significant disruption.

“Reported incidents of unruly behaviour and a complete disregard for adjoining businesses created an unsafe and conducive trading environment, severely affecting their profitability and imposing undue pressure on property managers,” he said.

The UBA requested that the municipality:

• The urgent completion of the hostel refurbishment and the subsequent removal of temporary residents from the commercial premises at the earliest possible date. 
• A formal assurance that future projects requiring temporary accommodation will utilise legitimate, fit-for-purpose facilities, with prior consultation of all relevant stakeholders, including the UBA.

The UBA said that unresolved issues from 2025 continue to critically impact the safety, stability, and economic viability of the Umbilo precinct.

Subiah also sought clarity on how this solution was funded, approved, and deemed compliant with municipal by-laws and building regulations.

Sisilana explained that temporary accommodation for affected residents was funded through the project budget as part of the approved construction and relocation plan.

“The municipality, through the appointed contractor, leased facilities at Eaton Road exclusively to accommodate Dalton Hostel Block B residents during the construction period. These buildings are located within walking distance of the hostel, ensuring minimal disruption to residents’ daily lives,” she said.

“The temporary accommodation arrangements were made after extensive efforts to secure suitable facilities, noting that many properties were unable to accommodate hostel tenants, while the identified facility met the requirements for temporary relocation.” 

She said that the municipality engaged with the UBA to inform them of the temporary accommodation arrangements and to seek their input. “Umbilo Business Forum did not raise any objections at the time of engagement.” 

However, Subiah remained resolute that this project was initiated and executed without proper consultation with the UBA.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

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