Poor conditions at Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court addressed
In the short term, fans have been procured with additional units in the procurement process, to improve ventilation while a permanent air conditioning solution is finalised.
The National Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has noted the concerns raised by officials at the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court. This comes after staff complained about unbearable working conditions, among them, lack of air conditioning, sanitation, and water and electricity at key points.
The spokesperson for the department, Samuel Modipane, assured the staff and court users that the matter is receiving focused attention in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), the custodian of the facility.
Modipane added a short term intervention is that the court has procured fans, with additional units in the procurement process, to improve ventilation while a permanent air conditioning solution is finalised.
“The generator battery is being replaced through an ongoing procurement process to restore automatic backup power during outages. Municipal water supply has been restored and there are currently no interruptions, while the earlier pump-related challenge affecting certain sections of the building has been reported to DPWI for technical resolution. Court management and security measures remain in place to ensure the safety of officials, detainees and the public.”
Modipane added that as a long term solution DPWI has completed a technical assessment of the air conditioning system and is expected to provide a detailed implementation plan. “The water reticulation matter, including the pump, also forms part of this process and will be addressed through a permanent solution.”
Modipane concluded that these interventions fall within the broader planned maintenance and infrastructure improvement programme for court facilities.
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