EWN reports that the Gauteng government says it is doing everything possible to ensure there is no impact on service delivery in the province after nine government buildings were vacated over compliance issues.  

Last week, three firefighters died trying to extinguish a blaze at the Bank of Lisbon building, which was being used by provincial public servants.  Before the tragedy, labour unions had warned the that the building failed to meet safety standards.  Government staff members who spoke to Eyewitness News said they have been told to work from home until maintenance has been completed at their workplaces.  However, Gauteng spokesperson Thabo Masebe said the majority of staff would work from other government facilities.  Tahir Maepa of the Public Servants Association (PSA) said the situation could have been prevented if government had acted faster.  The PSA has also questioned how government spent money earmarked for maintenance.

• A short report by Mia Lindeque is at EWN

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