Areas in parliamentary buildings still not safe for access: Engineers

Engineers have revealed that some of the areas in the parliamentary buildings that were destroyed by fire early this year are still not safe for access. This is contained in the version of the preliminary report being conducted in relation to the fire.

The details of the Phase 1 assessment including the extent of the damages caused and potential costs are expected to be presented next month.

According to engineers, the envisaged full report will also provide further details on whether the building will be demolished and rebuilt.

The video below is reporting on the Parliament fire:

The Public Works and Infrastructure Department has appointed the Coega Development Corporation (CDC), to conduct the investigation.

Senior engineer at CDC, Christo Beukes explains, “After the extraction of the water and if the smell is evident in the building we will engage the city of Cape Town department to assist us with some air sampling in order to determine if the gas is potentially hazardous or not and we will deal with any mitigation.”

A 49-year-old Zandile Mafe faces charges of destruction of essential infrastructure, the possession of an explosive device, arson, theft and housebreaking.