SIPHELELE NKETO

AN 11-storey building in central Mthatha, Eastern Cape, caught fire on Tuesday night, March 24, leaving large parts of the building ravaged by the blaze.

The historic Botha Sigcau Building housed several departments in the Eastern Cape.

MEC for the Department of Public Works, Infrastructure and Human Settlements Siphokazi Lusithi accompanied by the local leadership of King Sabata Dalindyebo visited the building to assess the damage and oversee emergency response efforts.

Lusithi engaged officials from the affected departments including: the Department of Health; Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Department of Economic Development; Environmental Affairs and Tourism; SAPS; Department of Agriculture; the deeds office; Department of Social Development; Department of Transport; and the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.

The meeting was to discuss the way forward and explore alternative accommodation options to ensure continuity of service delivery.

Phucuka Penxa, the head of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, stated that the department is working tirelessly to assess the extent of the damage, determine necessary interventions, and plan for the restoration of the building.

“The situation is being monitored closely, and the government will assess the extent of the damage, determine necessary interventions, and plan for restoration of this important public asset. Alternative arrangements are being explored to minimise disruption to government services,” he added.

However, the Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape has called for accountability, saying that the destruction of the building raised urgent questions about the condition of public buildings in the province.

Shadow MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure Dr Malcolm Figg MPL said this tragedy could have been avoided and that the party will call for a full investigation to ensure those responsible are held to account.