Parliament, Friday, 21 November 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Carol Phiri, has expressed deep concern after learning that the national office of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has been closed for failing to meet occupational health and safety (OHS) standards.
Inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) issued a prohibition notice, ordering the immediate closure of the building. Ms Phiri said it was troubling that the Department of Labour had to take this step, especially because DPWI was probably aware that the building was not safe for employees.
“It is shocking that the very department responsible for government buildings has failed to meet basic health and safety requirements. DPWI manages thousands of government buildings across the country. We expect them to lead by example, not to expose workers to unsafe conditions,” she said.
Ms Phiri added that the closure confirms the committee’s long-standing concerns about unsafe conditions in many state-owned buildings. “This shutdown poses a serious challenge for the department’s operations and will disrupt important work,” she said.
The committee will call the Minister, the department and all relevant stakeholders to a meeting to get full clarity on the reasons for the closure and the impact it will have on the department’s work.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS ANDINFRASTRUCTURE, MS CAROL PHIRI.
For media enquiries or interviews with the committee Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Jabulani Majozi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 083 358 5224
E-mail: jamajozi@parliament.gov.za
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