The Public Servants Association (PSA) has since raised its concern about the state of the building. 

The spokesperson for the PSA in the province, Zhulfa Graaff, said the association is shocked by the conditions of the building. He said employees are accommodated in the neglected and dilapidated building, which poses a threat to their health and safety.

Graaff alleged that stacks of boxes are lying in the passages, which hinder officials from performing their duties.

"There is insufficient ventilation owing to a lack of windows in the building. The department is also failing to address this situation by installing air conditioners. The water supply has been one of the biggest problems, as the department failed to pay the municipal bill. When it rains, water penetrates the walls, which causes an unpleasant smell."

He said the association has warned the department on numerous occasions by writing to the Head of the Department to correct these conditions, without any success.

"The safety of workers is paramount and failure by the employer to provide such working conditions will leave the PSA with no other option but to escalate the matter to the Department of Employment and Labour to intervene," Graaff added.

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