Polokwane Labour Centre still closed after water damage
Services at the Polokwane Labour Centre are still suspended following damage caused by flooding in the building last week.
The Department of Employment and Labour office in Polokwane was temporarily closed due to water floods suspected to have been caused by faulty plumbing.
Departmental Spokesperson, Lerato Mashamba says as a result of the flooding, the entire client services hall has seen damage to IT equipment and electrical appliances which may cause possible electrocution. Furthermore, the water coming from the top floor might cause the ceiling to collapse which poses a danger to clients and staff.
“The office will be temporarily closed until further notice in terms of section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993, which allows the inspector to prohibit any act or situations which threatens or is likely to threaten the life of people.”
Chief Director of Provincial Operations, Johannah Machaba, has called on clients to utilise the department’s online services or alternatively visit the nearest office situated in Seshego until the matter is resolved.
“It is unfortunate that this incident occurred in the biggest provincial office, which services the majority of our people across the province as it is situated in the heart of the city.”
It is unclear at this point when the issue will be resolved as the centre closure cannot be determined since the department is awaiting the landlord to comply, then the occupational health and safety team will be the one to lift the prohibition.
As an interim measure, Mashamba says UIF officials have been deployed to report to the centre in Seshego, to boost capacity for anticipated volumes while other officials work from home.
As an alternative residents can visit other Labour Centres like Seshego and Lebowakgomo or visit the department’s website at www.labour.gov.za/onlineservices.
