THE lives of Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality workers were in danger on Tuesday, 16 May.
This is because the new wing of the municipal building in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, started to shake and employees were forced to evacuate the building immediately.
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The construction of the new wing happened in 2010. It’s alleged that its safety was not checked, and it allegedly leaks whenever it rains.
Sources within the municipality claimed a similar incident occurred in 2016. It allegedly prompted a subsequent structural investigation which highlighted the urgent need for reinforcement, particularly in the pillars of the parking lot.
Municipality spokesman Thabo Kessah said the new building seems to be deteriorating and this requires a further assessment to avoid any unwarranted incidents.
Kessah said:
Opposition parties have slammed the municipality for not finding a permanent solution after the previous assessment.
DA Chief Whip Moshe Lefuma said they have requested the architect's qualifications but their pleas fell on deaf ears.
"Regrettably, this has led to substandard workmanship. Such negligence clearly demonstrates the significant impact that governing decisions can have on the lives of our constituents, both in the present and the future," said Lefuma.
DA urged the municipality to release the findings regarding the structural reinforcements and ensure their public disclosure.
"We implore the acting municipal manager to engage building inspectors to assess the current condition of the building. Lives hang in the balance, and it is the responsibility of the coalition parties to prioritise the safety and well-being of its workers and the general public. The potential collapse of the municipal building holds dire consequences for our community," he said
ANC Chief Whip Mandlenkosi Dlamini confirmed that this is not the first incident of its kind.
"The previous structural engineering report was never tabled on the council. This is not the first time the municipality experiences such shocking trepidation. We cannot lose staff members. We call on special investigating units to establish full investigations so that implicated individuals can be held accountable," said Dlamini.
Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality Mayor Gilbert Mokotso told the council an assessment would be conducted soon.
"We have requested structural engineers to come and perform a thorough assessment and advise us towards the long-term solution. We agreed that the engineer will commence on Monday, 29 May,” said the Mayor.
