VIDEO: Crumbling Boksburg Magistrate’s Court hit by flooding again
The City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) said its members are on high alert and ready to deal with all eventualities.
The recent rain again highlighted the sad state of the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court due to the long-standing structural decay.
Video footage, received by the Boksburg Advertiser on September 29, shows staff mopping floors partially submerged underwater.
However, court proceedings continued despite the flooding.
Chaotic situation
Concerned court staff members, who detailed the building’s challenges and expressed anger at a perceived lack of care from the responsible authorities, said the authorities had left the building’s issues unattended for many years.
“Every year during the rainy season, we have to put up with flooding, and that is just one of the many other chaotic situations that place court proceedings in jeopardy.
“On September 29, the prisoners couldn’t wait for their court appearance in the holding cells in the basement because the place was underwater.
“They had to be kept outside the cells, and this alone posed security risks, creating conditions that could allow accused persons awaiting trial to escape.”
Delayed renovation project
Apart from the regular flooding, the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court is in a shocking state of disrepair.
Staff members have, for almost a decade, been fearful for their safety and that of court records and equipment, as well as the people visiting the facility.
Promises
Responding to questions about plans to repair the run-down building, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) told the Advertiser last year, that after years of complaints, begging, and empty promises, the renovations to the court had been scheduled to start that same year.
However, this did not materialise. The department blamed the delay on budgetary constraints and promised that the project would start in mid-September 2025.
Again, nothing has happened. This time, the department blamed its failure to start work on issues in finding a contractor to carry out the project.
DPWI spokesperson Lennox Mabaso said they projected the tender would be re-advertised on October 24, with a closing date of November 22.
The awarding of the tender is expected on January 27, and site handover is scheduled for February 6.
This means that the actual construction and refurbishment work is unlikely to begin before February, months later than initially planned.
Scope of work
In a previous statement, Mabaso outlined an extensive scope of work that had been planned for the court, including:
• Repairing the leaking roof and waterproofing the walls.
• Structural repairs.
• Replacing of damaged windows and doors.
• Interior painting and floor finish replacements.
• Sewer system upgrades.
• Installation of a new generator and air conditioning units.
• Refurbishing ablution facilities and gatehouses.
• Improvements to perimeter fencing.
• Provision of temporary accommodation to support uninterrupted court operations.
DEMS ready and prepared to get into action
The City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) said no serious water-related incidents have been reported in the city thus far. However, its members are on high alert and ready to deal with all eventualities.
The DEMS added that its Technical Rescue Teams are conducting water rescue exercises to sharpen their skills and prepare for any emergencies.
Also Read: Emergency services calls for caution, ready to respond to flooding
