Fire alarm goes off, officials evacuate building

An emergency fire drill at the offices of Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure in Church Street early this morning (Thursday) gave rise to complaints about the alleged failure of the Department of Health medical team to arrive at the scene on time.
An official attached to one of the provincial emergency teams at the scene expressed concern over Health’s alleged failure to get to the scene on time and stated that slow response by the provincial paramedics was unacceptable. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added that one official seemingly had to call a private ambulance service which added unnecessary costs to Limpopo Government. He said all emergency teams had arrived on the scene and the department would get a report based on their response time.
It was learnt that officials at the department had to evacuate the building after the fire alarm went off. Upon arrival on the scene, Polokwane Observer was informed that it was an emergency fire drill to gauge the reaction time of employees and the provincial emergency teams such as traffic officers, fire fighters and paramedics. Officials assembled at the parking lot of Polokwane Visitors Information Centre (VIC) while emergency teams were assessing the building.
Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure spokesperson Joshua Kwapa confirmed that it was an emergency fire drill. Department of Health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana’s phone rang unanswered when attempts were made to obtain reponse.

Story & photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za