Public Works responds to Limpopo High Court infrastructure crisis
Public Works outlines repair plans for Limpopo High Court after safety concerns, faulty lifts and heat disrupt court operations and service delivery.
POLOKWANE – The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has responded to urgent questions raised by Adv Franco Marx, an advocate of the high court over the deteriorating state of infrastructure at the Limpopo High Court.
The concerns follow a site visit by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mamoloko Kubayi, in early April, where she acknowledged the issues and committed to corrective action.
Read more: Justice Minister exposes failures at Polokwane High Court
Marx questioned the state of essential infrastructure, such as non-functional air-conditioners and elevators, which have disrupted service delivery and court operations.
In recent months, counsel were reportedly granted permission to remove their gowns during proceedings due to excessive heat caused by faulty air-conditioning systems. In another incident, a judge reportedly suffered a panic attack after being trapped in a malfunctioning elevator.
Further inspection revealed other safety hazards, including a courtroom where a broken overhead fitting left exposed cables hanging – raising serious concerns about whether the venue was fit for hearings.
In response, the department’s head of property management trading entity, Siza Sbande, outlined the following interventions in a letter dated April 23:
1. Air-conditioning repairs:
Sbande confirmed that two service providers have been appointed to repair the building’s chiller plants. Work is expected to begin once the necessary materials are procured. For long-term stability, the department has put the system’s repair and maintenance out to tender for a 24-month period.
2. Elevator issues:
The breakdown of elevators was attributed to an underground water fountain that flooded the elevator pits, severely damaging their components. Jockey pumps were installed to drain the water; however, persistent moisture continues to cause failures. Engineering experts will now be brought in to assess and implement permanent remedial measures to stop the water intrusion.
3. General damage and dilapidation:
Sbande noted that the Department of Public Works has not yet received procurement instructions from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to begin broader repair work. Once received, the department will act promptly.
Marx has urged that timelines be set for implementation, citing the urgency of the matter.
