Tongaat Daily Market.
Image: Supplied
The eThekwini Municipality rejected claims that renovations at the Tongaat Daily Market had halted or been delayed, insisting the work was progressing as planned under a phased, multi-year approach.
Vendors raised concerns this week that municipal authorities gave them only three days’ notice to vacate the market in November when announcing long-awaited upgrades to the ageing site.
While construction began in December, many alleged that work slowed and stopped altogether in February, with no clear communication on when it would resume.
Gugu Sisilana, the Deputy Head of eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Unit, said the project was structured in line with available funding and technical requirements.
“The city would like to clarify that the Tongaat facility upgrade project has not been halted or delayed. The project has been deliberately structured as a multiyear initiative, with phased implementation aligned to the available budget within the Business Support Directorate.”
According to Sisilana, Phase 1 of the project, which focused primarily on removing and replacing the roof, was successfully completed.
Renovations at Tongaat Daily Market.
Image: Supplied
She said Phase 2 would involve significant internal upgrades.
“Phase 2 comprises critical internal upgrades, including the construction of additional trading stalls, refurbishment of ablution facilities, provision of office space for Business Support Directorate staff, and associated electrical works."
Sisilana said the design for Phase 2 was finalised.
“While the design for this phase had been finalised, further investigations conducted during construction revealed underlying conditions that necessitated the inclusion of additional scope. These interventions are essential to ensure that the facility, upon completion, is safe, fully functional, and meets the standards expected by both traders and the broader community.”
The municipality confirmed that a revised Bill of Quantities was being finalised, with contractors expected to return to the site soon.
“The revised Bill of Quantities is currently being finalised, with the intention that the contractor will commence Phase 2 works no later than the end of April 2026. Completion of this phase is anticipated by 30 June 2026 unless there are unforeseen circumstances.”
Looking ahead, Sisilana said the final phase of the project would focus on improving the surrounding environment.
“Phase 3 will focus on enhancements to the external environment, including landscaping, paving, and improvements to parking areas. This phase is planned to commence in July 2026, subject to the availability of funding in the 2026/27 financial year budget.”
The new roof at the Tongaat Daily Market.
Image: Supplied
She also addressed why traders were not allowed to return to the market after the completion of the first phase.
“The municipality had initially considered a partial handover following the completion of Phase 1. However, due to the nature of the ongoing construction, particularly work taking place above trading areas, this was deemed unsafe from an Occupational Health and Safety perspective,” Sisilana said.
Acknowledging the impact on traders, the municipality called for patience as the project continued.
“The city acknowledges the impact that project timelines may have on livelihoods and appreciates the community’s continued patience. The municipality remains committed to delivering a safe, durable, and revitalised facility that supports economic activity in Tongaat."
Despite these assurances, traders, operating temporarily from a plastic marquee set up in a nearby parking area, remain concerned about their immediate financial survival.
They are calling for clearer communication and support while they await the project’s completion.