Decrepit local court to finally get a facelift

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI)’s plans to give the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court a much-needed facelift are gaining momentum.

A development notice was recently put up outside the court. The notice reads: “The owner, Department of Public Works, plans to restore and renovate the existing Boksburg Magistrate’s Court. The Boksburg Magistrate’s Court and Boksburg Family Court are in dire need of maintenance and upgrades. The building is severely deteriorating both internally and externally.

“Moreover, the building faces severe space limitations that compromise the daily operations of the facility. Our team will conduct the remedial works with utmost care and precision to restore the building in accordance with the heritage by-laws that aim to protect and conserve the building. The new structures on site will emulate the architectural language of the existing building, as they are needed to enhance the spatial provisions and functionality of the building.”
DPWI spokesperson Thami Mchunu confirmed the planned renovations, explaining the following work will be done:
• Repair the leaking roof and waterproof walls damaged by water
• Repair structural defects
• Doors and windows to be maintained and may be replaced in some cases
• Painting
• Repair and upgrade sewer services
• Installation of a new generator
• Floor finishes to be replaced
• Repair and replace air conditioners (some areas require new air conditioners).
• Decanting for temporary accommodation
• Gatehouses
• Ablution facilities upgrade
• Perimeter fencing upgrade
• General internal repairs
No further information on the restoration was provided at the time of publication.

Last year, the Boksburg Advertiser highlighted the defects and health and safety issues at a Boksburg SAPS building and the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court, which was built in the 1950s.Employees at these institutions expressed concerns about their safety, saying despite repeated calls for interventions, they have, for many years, been forced to work in these unsafe ageing facilities.

About plans to replace the run-down building, Mchunu explained at the time the sketch plan has been approved, and the project is awaiting the approval of the procurement strategy.
“The request for approval of the procurement strategy was submitted to the National Bid Adjudicating Committee (NBAC) on March 28, 2023. The project is anticipated to go out on tender on June 16, 2023, and anticipate the site handover on August 18, 2023.

“The construction period for both courts is 36 months. The magistrate’s court repair would take 24 months, therefore, we expect the completion date to be June 2025. The family court repairs would take 12 months and the completion date is expected to be around June 2026.”

Mchunu said they will do the project in phases as the courts must be functional during the construction period.

Neglect
Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos welcomed the planned refurbishments, stating it is long overdue.
“Maintenance of state-owned buildings has rapidly disappeared over the last 30 years of ANC rule.

“The Boksburg Magistrate’s Court has not escaped the neglect of maintenance to such an extent that serious defects developed over time.

“As ward councillor, I’m inundated with calls from people visiting the court about non-functioning ablution facilities and lack of air-conditioning in courtrooms, among other issues.
“The notice to renovate the court is most welcome and will revive the energy levels of hardworking officials dispensing justice to citizens,” he said.

The court manager of the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court and the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson declined to comment.

Heritage Act
Section 34(1) of the National Heritage Resources Act states that “no person may alter or demolish any structure or part of a structure which is older than 60 years without a permit issued by the relevant provincial heritage resources authority.”

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