The Presidential residence in Durban is undergoing major renovations to repair damage caused by the storms that hit the city in 2016.<\/p>\n
The Department of Public Works said in a statement on Thursday that work at the Dr JL Dube Presidential residence is expected to take eight months to complete at a cost of R12.7 million.<\/p>\n
The current renovations, which started in February, include roof repairs to the main house; repairs and renovations to the housekeeper\u2019s flat; repairs and renovations to the guesthouse; repairs and renovations, including the replacement of the roof, to the house manager\u2019s house; and upgrading of security installations.<\/p>\n
“It must be noted that Dr JL Dube House is heritage site, boasting well over 100 years of rich history.<\/p>\n
“Therefore whatever is renovated or replaced will have to be restored to its original state by a competent specialist contractor with proven past experience in heritage facilities,” said the department.<\/p>\n
Comprehensive investigations and feasibility studies had to be done for the project to be registered.<\/p>\n
Also, to ensure that the heritage aspect of the facility was not compromised, the Heritage Council in KwaZulu-Natal (Amafa) was approached for inputs and approvals of the proposed repairs.<\/p>\n
The department said investigations also discovered that there was a woodborer infestation which had to be addressed.<\/p>\n
The residence, which was first occupied in 1904, has seven buildings.<\/p>\n