DA supports Protector probe into building fire

Issued by Jack Bloom MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC
12 Feb 2019 in Press Statements

The Democratic Alliance supports the referral of the Bank of Lisbon fire to the Public Protector by a Gauteng Health Department employee.

Three firefighters died after the fire started on the 23rd floor of the Department’s head office on 5 September last year, but many questions remain about the cause of the fire and who was to blame.

Complaints from staff about poor conditions at the building were ignored by former Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and current MEC Gwen Ramokgopa.

There needs to be accountability for the fact that the building was only 21% compliant with safety regulations according to a report released shortly before the fire.

I am concerned that the police investigation is making poor progress after I laid various criminal charges last year against three Gauteng MECs and senior officials for their negligence in this matter.

The ANC in Gauteng has brushed aside accountability for its failure to prevent the fire, and voted down the DA’s motion in the Gauteng Legislature for implicated MECs to resign or be fired.

The Public Protector’s investigation should supplement other investigations in ensuring that justice prevails in this traumatic event that laid bare the ANC’s incompetent governance in this province.