The eThekwini municipality will demolish Durban's early morning market before month end to make way for a shopping centre, despite fierce opposition from traders.

"The construction for the centre that will be built at the early morning market will start at the end of July," municipal manager Dr Mike Sutcliffe said at a press briefing in Durban on Tuesday.

The market is in Warwick Junction, Durban's main transport hub used by more than 400 000 people daily.

Sutcliffe said the rejuvenation of the Warwick Junction area was long overdue. He said stall-holders would be relocated to a temporary site in Market Road, a stone's throw from the current site.

Over-populated

"This area is over-populated with traders, pedestrians and vehicles. Because of this and other factors this area is home to one of the country's worst intersection for fatalities."

Sutcliffe said the city had committed R300-million to create a safer transport hub at Warwick Junction.

This was part of the city's 2010 projects. Developers of the proposed shopping centre would invest R400-million to make available services such as banks, a post office and stores.

Affected traders had however vowed to continue opposing the development.

"The city has not said anything about demolishing the market. We will not move from the market because there is still a case pending. The law will have to take its course," said Msizi Sibisi of the early morning market association.

The traders argue the centre will destroy their livelihoods.

Sutcliffe however said most traders were happy with the development and wanted it to continue.

Sapa

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