Press Statement dated 1 October 2018
The Public Servants Association (PSA) is expected to meet with MEC for Infrastructure Development Jacob Mamabolo today, for an update following the closure of several unsafe government buildings in the City of Johannesburg.
The PSA has been monitoring the closure of these buildings in the city centre, following safety concerns raised in the wake of the deadly fire at the Gauteng Provincial Health Department building. MEC Mamabolo undertook to close all unsafe buildings until such a time that valid and confirmed compliance certificates have been obtained. “The PSA has championed the health and safety conditions of buildings in the City. The PSA has been in constant communication with MEC Mamabolo, even alerting him to instances where managers were still forcing staff to work in these buildings”, says General Manager Ivan Fredericks.
There has so far been minimal progress on the maintenance of the buildings, as a Forensic Task Team is still busy with investigations, this applies to buildings where maintenance can rectify the compliance issue. In some cases the GPG has to consider the moving Departments to different buildings all together. It is also unclear how many employees are still at home, as the placement of staff in temporary accommodations is taking place daily. ”It is estimated that about 30% of staff from the closed buildings are yet to be placed”, says Fredericks.
The PSA will also be monitoring the conditions of National Department Buildings, with meetings already taking place with the relevant stakeholders.
Issued by Tahir Maepa, Deputy General Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)