The Free State Department of Employment and Labour's communication officer, Cebisa Siyobi, says the Disaster Management Centre's building was declared unsafe for use and occupation following a reactive inspection from the department. She says that the Occupational Health and Safety inspectors showed that the were some serious safety hazards in the building.

In her statement, Siyobi says the use of the building was prohibited after reports revealed that the ceiling was collapsing, there were visible water leakages due to rain, and exposed electrical wires which - should it come into contact with water - could result in the electrocution of occupants, leading to possible fatalities. She also says that amongst other issues discovered, was a concrete slab above the ground floor with holes, through which one can see the ground floor. Siyobi concluded that the building is not safe has become a fertile place for rats and nesting birds.

Free State clinic 'indeed closed down by Labour Department'

Meanwhile, the provincial Chief Inspector, Manelisi Luxande, said that the department has no tolerance for employers who are non-compliant with health and safety regulations. Siyobi said that the building will remain closed until all safety issues have been corrected to the satisfaction of the inspector.

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