Sol Plaatje Municipality’s emergency services has condemned a building in Kimberley’s central business district after it was gutted by a fire on Monday.
SOL PLAATJE Municipality’s emergency services has condemned a building in Kimberley’s central business district after it was gutted by a fire on Monday.
Municipal spokesperson Thabo Mothibi said that the building situated at 8-12 Cheapside Street was closed with immediate effect as it was unfit for occupation.
“A section of the property that was used as a church, clothing store, muti shop and as an appliance repair store was engulfed by fire after midnight,” said Mothibi.
“Upon inspection of the entire building block, emergency services discovered that another section of the building was being used as residential flats in violation of its occupancy classification based on approved building plans.”
He added that the owner of the unit, who was based in Bloemfontein, was advised to close it down as the fire damage had made it unsafe.
“A notice is being served under the National Building Regulations and Standards Act and the Fire Brigade Act that grants the chief fire officer the authority to close any building to protect its occupants and the property.”
Mothibi stated that the illegal electrical connections and unhealthy living conditions within the residential flats were also of grave concern.
“Our emergency services’ fire department conducts regular inspections to root out non-compliance. Members of the public are also encouraged to lodge concerns or complaints relating to unsafe buildings with the unit at 053 832 4212/3/4,” he added.
