The Chairperson of the committee, Joe Serekoane, says in their meeting this afternoon with the executive of the municipality it was confirmed that the municipality has lodged a claim for damages with their insurance and that the building is currently placed under 24 hours protection to make sure no further damage occurs. This comes soon after the provincial Heritage Committee issued a communication to the municipality urging for the repair of the building and the protection thereof. Serekoane says he is pleased that the municipality has laid their cards on the table….

Serekoane says the committee, as the legal guardian of the City Hall and other heritage sites, made the municipality aware of the legal implications relating to the damage to the City Hall, and are pleased that they indicated their commitment to resolving the matter.

Serekoane can confirm that the municipality is going to have monthly meetings with the Free State Heritage Committee to ensure effective progress on the matter. He, however, says no fixed timeframes have yet been set.

Serekoane says the process of determining the extent of the damage is on-going and will soon be communicated. He says the committee will be involved in all steps taken to restore the City Hall.

Opposition parties have, however, raised concerns over prolonged periods taken to determine the cost of the damages stating that the Executive Mayor, Olly Mlamleli, should personally be held accountable to cover the costs.

The hall was torched last month and earlier speculation had it that the blaze could have been part of a two-month long strike by municipal workers.

Mangaung Metro Municipality could not be reached for comment despite several attempts.

OFM News