Three firefighters have lost their lives following a fire at the departments of Health and Human Settlements building in the Joburg CBD. Karen Sandison/African News Agency(ANA) Three firefighters have lost their lives following a fire at the departments of Health and Human Settlements building in the Joburg CBD. Karen Sandison/African News Agency(ANA)
The DA plans to query the government for detailed information on the status of the safety standards of all government department buildings.
This comes after Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga's inspection and subsequent evacuation of department of Correctional Services and South African National Defence Force staff from the Poytons building on Tuesday, according to a statement released by the party's national spokesperson Refiloe Nt'sekhe.
Nt'sekhe also cited reports that department of Health staff had protested against safety conditions in Tshwane.
Last week's devastating fire at the Lisbon BUilding left three firemen dead. The Gauteng government has since said the building was only 31% complaint. Furthermore, the Gauteng government said it suspected foul play.
The questions will be tabled by MP Malcolm Figg.
Nt'sekhe added: "Civil servants should not fear for their safety in their workplace and should work in buildings which comply with the health and safety requirements," Nt'sekhe said.
"It is unacceptable that government employees are subjected to unsafe buildings which do not meet the required compliance with health and safety regulations. It points to how hard-working employees are disregarded by the failing ANC government.
"The DA will ensure that, through Parliamentary questions, we get a full picture of the state of all government buildings in the hope that needless loss of life is prevented and those responsible for not complying, are made to account."