The Public Servant Association (PSA) says it welcomes the renovations being done to the Musina Magistrate's Court. This follows the closing of the court building by the Department of Labour on 26 July this year for failing to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and ensuring its employees were provided with a safe workplace.
The department received complaints from employees who said they felt unsafe with the building's dilapidated state. Upon inspection by the department, the court building was indeed found to be in poor form, with the ceiling on the verge of collapse in certain places and dangerous, open wires at others. Staff members were ordered to vacate immediately until these dangers had been corrected.
According to the PSA, six contractors were appointed and are currently addressing all highlighted problems, among others the toilets and plumbing, tiles, leaking roof, electricity, and Internet connections and networks.
The court building was inspected again by the departments of Employment and Labour, Public Works, and Justice on 6 August, and the green light was given. The court's doors were opened on Wednesday, 11 August 2021, to gradually get back into full operation again.
The PSA was further informed that the regional office is busy with the procurement of mobile offices, as the building lacks adequate office space.
To ensure that employees are working under conducive and safe conditions to promote their health and safety, the PSA will continue to monitor the situation.