MTHATHA - The Botha Sigcau Building in Mthatha is not just any other building.
The prominent eleven-story building is essentially the engine room for service delivery in the Eastern Cape.
It houses various provincial departments, including public works, health, education, transport, and the deeds office.
But this administrative hub now stands vacant after ten of the eleven floors were destroyed after it was gutted by flames.
Bringing up the question of whether critical records such as title deeds and departmental archives were lost in the fire.
READ | UPDATE: Authorities investigating cause of Botha Sigcau building fire
Eastern Cape MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure and Human Settlements, Siphokazi Lusithi, said part of the work that was done by the technical team was to assess where the fire emanated from.
She said it was found that the building had storage rooms where important documents and equipment were kept, most of which were on the basement and the first floor of the building.
These lower floors, she says, did not appear to have been affected by the fire.
However, she stressed that only after assessments have been concluded would they be certain on the status of the records.
The fire has prompted an urgent response. Lusithi outlined immediate steps that would now be taken, especially when it comes to service delivery.
She said from the work that was done, teams had quantified what was needed.
This includes providing alternative work space for the staff members as well as allowing various regional directors and heads of departments to consult their workforce and their superiors
Some departments will have to implement hybrid working models, with some staff working remotely
This move, she said, is necessary because the immediate task now is to ensure that services are reinstated.
“By Friday morning, we're expecting feedback, and that time also allows us, as Public Works, to work in these buildings to make sure that they are habitable for them,” he said.
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While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, the MEC confirmed that investigations are underway and cautioned the public against speculation.
She said it is only after forensic assessments and technical assessments of the building have been conducted that the cause of the fire will be confirmed.
In the same breath, Lusithi responded to criticism by the DA that the building had been neglected.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DA expressed worry that the building, and several others, were flagged as unfit for human habitation, yet the department failed to act.
The party further added that the tragedy could have been avoided had the department done its job.
Lusithi argued that a conditional assessment was conducted in the building and that the department has spent over R107 million in trying to refurbish the building.
“This is a 50-year-old building. That $107 million was done in consecutive years because we don't have a budget to complete what is required for the building in one financial year.
“So, it was done in a phased-in approach, and that's why even now there is work that was being done.
“It's simply not true that government has not taken into account the nature or the condition of the building,” she said.