R1.6m to repair Union Buildings clock because ‘parts no longer available in SA’

It would cost R1.6-million to repair a broken clock and bell at a tower at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, it was revealed this week.

“Most of the material used to upgrade and replace broken parts are no longer available in South Africa,” said Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) spokesperson Thami Mchunu.

“Thus, the quotation is very steep.”

This was revealed after an oversight visit to the Union Buildings by Madeleine Hicklin, Shadow Deputy Minister of Public Works for the DA, and ward councillor Leanne de Jager last month.

The visit was meant to assess the progress on planned upgrades to the Union Buildings and to inspect other public works facilities.

The representatives said they were taken aback by the lack of maintenance at the building.

This was despite their numerous reported complaints, calling out the Department of Public Works and its minister, Patricia de Lille, for not doing enough to maintain valuable South African historical buildings.

“It is clear that public works has not honoured commitments made in the parliamentary reply to us,” said De Jager.

These included evicting those living illegally on the grounds, repairing the fencing around the perimeter, permitting public access to the buildings and other general maintenance.

Hicklin said that she has been in regular contact with the department but has yet to see much done regarding implementation.

“I have been trying to get answers from the department on why there is such little maintenance done at our national key point.

“This isn’t the only historical landmark where this is happening – the department is dropping the ball on a lot of things,” said Hicklin.

The DPWI said that it would address the main areas of concern in “due course”.

Mchunu said that the reasoning behind the closure of the buildings to the public was done as a security measure. This comes after an incident in which unauthorised men tried to force their vehicle onto the premises and posed a security threat to staff when resisting arrest.

“Following extensive engagement with the relevant stakeholders including the Presidency’s security, SAPS and Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, it was resolved that the closure was the best measure to be taken,” said Mchunu.

According to Mchunu, the department currently does not have the funds to begin the tower project but the fencing around the buildings was being replaced.

Hicklin said she planned to hold a follow-up visit at the end of August.

She will also do oversight on the old historical Jewish synagogue in the CBD and other public works buildings in Colbyn.

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