Renovations finally underway following 2020 Fort Amiel fire
The municipal Technical Services Department has since appointed a project manager internally who is overseeing the project with the assistance of relevant personnel from Community Services (Arts, Culture, and Amenities).
The replica canteen building at Fort Amiel Museum will finally receive the attention it desperately needs after being destroyed in a veld fire on August 26, 2020.
Mthandeni Myende, acting director: Communications and Customer Relations with the Newcastle municipality said three years ago, an uncontrolled veld fire had jumped the southern fence of the Fort Amiel Museum and set the canteen building ablaze.
“With the brave action and dedication of the Newcastle Fire Services, the fire was extinguished. The contents of the building were destroyed but the main structure was saved, except for the roof and external windows,” he said.
He explained that the building was insured, and the final documents for claims were submitted to the loss adjuster in April 2021.
The insurance company made a payment shortly after, which covered the cost of restoring the canteen.
“Building plans and the bill of quantities were drawn up and compiled. The tender procedures were completed, and the insurance money was put on the 2023/24 capital budget for the commencement of the refurbishment. The tender was awarded to the Pingoshe-Hlombe Trading Company for R533 134.25, including VAT.”
The municipal Technical Services Department has since appointed a project manager internally who is overseeing the project with the assistance of relevant personnel from Community Services (Arts, Culture, and Amenities).
The contractor started work on July 12 with an eight-month completion date set for April 12, 2024.
So far, the removal of rubble, including the roof trusses and sheeting, has been completed as part of the site clearance.
The foundations have been refurbished, and the construction of internal walls and brickwork completed.
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