Community hall roof caves in
The hall is believed to have had its fair share of trouble with its roof prior to completion.
Barely eight years old, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality’s community hall in Margate is crumbling.
Last week, residents and community members who make use of the hall from time to time raised the alarm over its roofing structure.
And on Tuesday afternoon this week, half the roof caved in.
ALSO READ: Mthwalume Community Hall goes to ruin
When the Herald investigated on Monday, at first glance – and from a distance – the golden wheat travertine facebrick building was a beautiful sight.
However, a closer look revealed the entire roof needed attention.
Its state of disrepair led to the hall being cordoned off for safety reasons as the roof appeared to be on the verge of collapse.
An independent engineer who spoke to the Herald said the entire roof would need to be replaced and not fixed.
“The roofing technique used did not correspond with the structure. I have no idea how engineers approved it.”
The hall, which was officially opened by then mayor Nolwazi Shusha in 2010, is believed to have had its fair share of roof trouble prior to completion.
Insiders claim that the contractor who had been appointed had failed to complete the roof after having difficulties with installation.
It is believed that another contractor was then appointed to complete the structure before it was handed over to the municipality.
A local builder also told the Herald that, when such structures are built by contractors on behalf of the municipality and/or government entities, they are issued with a completion certificate by an engineer appointed by the client (in this case RNM).
Once that is done, a ‘snag list’ is then sent to the the contractor, who must then fix the snags.
“Once the snagging is complete and the engineers and client are happy, the contractor is then issued with a final completion certificate.”
It is believed that a contractor is only liable for six months after a building is completed.
What happens to the building after that becomes the municipality’s responsibility.
RNM spokesman, Simon April said; “The Margate hall was damaged by the storm and the municipality has since appointed professional engineers to assess the extent of the damages. In the meanwhile they have suggested that it be closed for safety reasons.
“Once engineers give a report which is expected within the next week, the municipality will follow the necessary procedures to have it repaired.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
