Union pulls staff out of unfinished building



22-08-2014
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Diamond Fields Advertiser
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OFFICIALS at the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison were yesterday instructed by the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) to vacate the new building that is still under construction on the corner of Sidney and Lennox streets.

Popcru secretary, Boitumelo Pheleo, said he had advised all staff from the three directives currently occupying the building that they were working there at their own risk.

“There are loose live electrical wires dangling from the roof and builders are still busy with construction. The lifts are not working, the toilets do not flush as plumbing work is still taking place. Step ladders are all over the place and apart from the lights on the floors where employees are working, the rest are not working.

“The entry point is in darkness. We will be doing a disservice to our members if we allow them to work under these dangerous conditions that do not comply with basic health and safety requirements,” Pheleo said.

Alternative

He added that as from today, workers would report for duty at their old offices until alternative, suitable accommodation was sourced.

“Officials were not issued with face masks for the excessive dust or any protective clothing, gloves or boots to prevent them from slipping or injuring themselves. If they continue to work there, they will fall ill due to sinus and asthma.”

Pheleo said that working at the old offices would be more beneficial and in the best interest of service delivery and the safety of the workers.

“There are no telephone lines or Internet that is operational yet at the new building. It is no longer the Stone Age and the contact numbers of officials are available if any service provider wishes to get hold of them. Officials can do their jobs by means of their laptops and modems at the old building,” he said.

Public Servants Association provincial manager, Joseph Jacquire, said he had requested the department to issue letters of permission to allow the officials to relocate to their old buildings until the new building is finished.

“Three of our members fell ill because of dust inhalation and heavy paint fumes,” said Jacquire.

He added that the number of officials working at the building had increased and that two floors were now occupied.

Meanwhile, national Treasury chief director of communications, Jabulani Sikhakhane, yesterday said that the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO) had approached the Northern Cape government after coming to the conclusion that the tender was irregularly awarded.

“In response to a complaint by an aggrieved bidder, the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer reviewed the said tender which had been advertised by the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison in May 2010.

“The tender had been for a two-year lease to occupy an existing building. The Bid Adjudication Committee recommended Ocean Echo Properties in September/October 2010 for a two-year lease.

“However, in January 2011, the lease period was changed by the HOD (Head of Department) from two to 10 years. In addition, other clauses in the bid were changed, including the insertion of a clause for the construction of a new building rather than the occupancy of an existing one.”

Sikhakhane added that following the review, the OCPO recommended that the lease be cancelled.

“This was communicated to the Northern Cape government, which has requested more time to consult with relevant stakeholders.”

Spokesman for the Office of the Premier, Monwabisi Nkompela, said that Premier Sylvia Lucas was aware of the matter.

“She wants the investigation to continue unhindered and she will respond in due course.”

Spokeswoman for the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Keitumetse Moticoe, said that following their engagements with Popcru around the matter, they had agreed that no officials would work at the new building until it was completed.

“Officials have started moving some furniture into the new building, however, occupation of the new building will only take place once the building is complete,” she said last night.

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