Enviroment Dept repairs finally commence
Construction repairs of the building are underway after it remained a white-elephant for close to six years.
POLOKWANE – Construction repairs at one of the Environmental Affairs buildings in the city are underway after it remained a white elephant for close to six years.
Contractors reported committed defects that resulted in employees evacuating the new structure in 2018 on the corner of Dorp and Suid streets a few weeks in, amid claims that it could have collapsed at any time.
A new contractor for repairs was appointed in 2020 and only started with alterations and the removal of faulty material earlier this month.
Their scope of work includes refurbishing the main office block, replacing the roof cover, ceilings, floor tiles, sanitary fittings, mechanical works, electrical works, and painting, Public Works confirmed.
Environmental Affairs spokesperson Zaid Kalla said the close to four years delay in permitting the second contractor rested on the Public Works Department and that a permit was granted in November for work to the tune of R37m and spanning 24 months.
Initially the department requested that officials occupy the offices located behind the building they had evacuated, but the request was denied following claims that asbestos had been used in the initial structure. The central office option was subsequently considered. Reports from staff at the time stated that the main building was, however, overcrowded as the department had several strategic business units and agencies, necessitating an extension of space for effective operations.
