Public works says it maintained parliament properly and can’t be blamed for fire damage
A closed valve may be the culprit for the sprinkler system not turning on
The department of public works and infrastructure is not lying down in the face of accusations that it was negligent in its maintenance of parliament and that this could have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire which ripped through parliamentary buildings on Sunday and Monday.
Its acting director-general Imtiaz Fazel insisted in a statement on Friday that the parliamentary buildings were assessed annually by the City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue unit as part of preparations for the state of the nation address (Sona) which usually takes place in February. One report from the city said additional signage, fire panels and phones were in need of repair in the Old Assembly building ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.