Johannesburg CBD Building Housing 100 Families Deemed Unsafe

A seven-story building on Marshall Street in Johannesburg’s CBD is in a dangerous state. About 100 families, many of them foreign nationals, live in overcrowded and unsafe conditions. MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku inspected the building on Monday. He called for urgent action to protect the residents.

Severe Overcrowding and Hazards

The building is overcrowded, with families living in tiny, makeshift spaces. Inside, the conditions are shocking. Stagnant water overflows from illegal plumbing. Charred walls from an old fire remain untouched. Exposed electrical cables hang across rooms, creating a constant danger.

“These conditions are unacceptable,” Tshwaku said. “The building does not meet basic health, fire, or safety laws.”

Illegal Activities and Exploitation

Residents reported that drug dealers and other criminals use the building. During the inspection, JMPD officers found stolen electrical cables at the back of the property. Informal building managers reportedly charge high rents while neglecting basic maintenance.

The situation is also harmful to vulnerable residents. Inspectors found four unattended children. Social workers from the Department of Social Development stepped in to help.

Tshwaku promised a thorough investigation. “We will stop the exploitation and ensure that criminals face the law,” he said.

Evacuation Plan Underway

The city plans to evacuate the building as quickly as possible. Several departments will work together to help residents find safer housing. Tshwaku stressed that the city will take a firm stance on unsafe buildings.

“This is part of reclaiming our inner city,” he said. “We are restoring safety and dignity to our communities.”

The inspection is part of a larger effort to fix dangerous housing in Johannesburg. On Tuesday, Tshwaku and Mayor Dada Morero toured the CBD. They looked at service delivery problems and identified more unsafe buildings.

Taking Back the Inner City

The Marshall Street building shows how urgent the need is for safe housing. The city’s efforts aim to protect families and create a better future for inner-city residents.