Evacuation of SAPS head office ‘won’t impact core functions’
The South African Police Service says it is working around the clock to find alternative premises to house staff who had to be evacuated from its national head office in Pretoria.
The staff were evacuated after the building was declared unfit for occupation.
It came after police members filed several complaints about the shortage of clean drinking water, poor ventilation and unmarked emergency exits.
In a statement, Solidarity said the building does not have the necessary certificates of occupancy from the fire brigade, which would declare the building safe to occupy.
“The SAPS head office may only reopen its doors after the certificate has been issued and an inspection by the fire brigade has been carried out,” the union said.
“Among numerous complaints received were claims of respiratory illnesses and allergic reactions, presumably due to dirty office space and poor ventilation, and workers also complained of dirty carpets and problems with lice and cockroaches.”
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the building accommodates personnel attached to support divisions and components whose mandate is to provide administrative support to operational divisions.
“Arrangements are being made for these functions to be performed from alternative premises. The SAPS is in continuous engagements with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, whose responsibility is the repair and maintenance of state facilities.
“Core policing has not been affected by this temporary closure.”
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