A Middelburg resident has questioned why staff worked for months under unsafe conditions at the eMalahleni licensing department before its closure last week.

“Since last year it has been like this at the Witbank licensing offices,” she said. “In June, they removed the men’s toilet, and the women’s toilet has not had a sink for the past year.”

Middelburg office faces space constraints

Residents who visit the Middelburg licensing offices also say the staff deserve better than the dilapidated building in which they currently work.

The offices, where tests are administered, are cramped and are also used as storage rooms for old documents.

Province assumes departmental control

What residents still do not realise is that the department no longer falls under the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, but under the province, meaning the municipality has no control over the licensing department.

The Observer’s sister website, Witbank News, reported last week that the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) is working urgently to restore services at the main eMalahleni licensing office.

DCSSL spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said the department is exploring temporary alternatives, including moving computers to a satellite office, until the building is deemed safe for staff.

The Department of Employment and Labour closed the office indefinitely last week after finding the building unsafe for staff.