The Mpumalanga government must explain why the provincial government building was apparently built below the 50-year flood line.
Last week, the Legislature had to be evacuated for three days after the Nels River flooded its banks and the water rose-up high against the lower levels.
Large parts of the electric fence and the building itself were washed away by the river. It exposed live electrical cables on the ground. Office equipment was also swept away by the water. The river flowed through the Legislature's supporting posts in places, just below the first floor.
An expert confirmed to the FF Plus that the relevant environmental departments are, after several years, reportedly still waiting for the environmental impact studies, and that the Legislature is not only built below the flood line, but also on the actual banks of the river.
Initially, the building would have cost about R120 million, but when the building was finally completed and handed over in 2004, the total cost had amounted to at least R684 million.
The FF Plus has already sent critical questions about the matter to the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Mandla Ndlovu. The party also requested the relevant environmental impact study. Moreover, FF Plus wants to know whether the department has conducted any inspections to ensure that the building will not collapse.
Heavy rains and floods in February have already caused millions of rand in damage to properties and infrastructure, and claimed at least eleven lives.
The weather services predict even more heavy rains and thunderstorms for this coming week with the risk of rising water levels on roads and flash floods.
The FF Plus will continue to apply pressure to ensure the safety of employees at the Legislature and that environmental laws are complied with.
