It has been confirmed that preventative systems in Parliament had been switched off. Image: Presidency / Twitter
Parliament fire: Minister confirms sprinklers had been disabled
In the aftermath of the fire at Parliament, Minister Patricia De Lille confirmed sprinkler systems had been disabled.
It has been confirmed that preventative systems in Parliament had been switched off. Image: Presidency / Twitter
Public Works Minister Patricia De Lille has updated South Africans on the continued fire blazing at Parliament. The Minister confirmed that the Hawks are now leading the investigation of the incident with a 51-year-old suspect taken into custody.
De Lille confirmed that police reports indicate that the man had been taken into custody after being found in Parliament. Interestingly, the unnamed individual had originally been taken in for questioning but was later arrested.
Parliament systems were not operating
In a concerning revelation, De Lille confirmed that sprinklers at Parliament had failed due to valves being closed. Furthermore, the Minister couldn’t offer an explanation as to who had been responsible for this.
Deputy Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli had joined the Minister to brief the media on the incident, saying:
“We don’t have words to describe our outrage. People are rightfully angry to ask how this was allowed to happen.”
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Lechesa Tsenoli
Parliament library safe from blaze
Commenting on the incident Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed that Parliament’s library was safe.
“There may be smoke damage. But no fire,”
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis
Alternative offered by City of Cape Town
Hill-Lewis further described the incident as nothing short of a ‘national tragedy’ in a statement issued by his office.
“The devastating fire at Parliament today is a national tragedy. Cape Town is also the historic seat of Parliament, and so we share in the sense of tragedy felt by so many at this time. While the full scale of the damage is being assessed, the City of Cape Town stands ready to do whatever it can to help.”
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis
Interestingly, the DA mayor confirmed that the City has offered up an alternative in a bid to relieve the situation.
“I have been in contact with the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, to offer our immediate assistance so that the work of Parliament can continue. Cape Town will make our Council Chamber available to the Speaker for sittings of the National Assembly, as well as the use of the Grand Parade and City Hall for the State of the Nation Address.”
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis
The mayor explained that the City would do whatever it takes to ensure that Parliament is able to continue its work.
“We want to see Parliament continue its important work, and we will do what we can to help.”
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis
