EMLM set to appoint experts with hope to restore fire-gutted Town Hall

❝ During earlier discussions between the technical services directorate and representatives from the National Heritage Council, the view was expressed that the ’heritage feel’ in front of the building is still structurally sound

Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM) plans to appoint an architectural firm or heritage consultant to conduct an assessment of the historical Komani Town Hall, with hopes to restore the fire-gutted building instead of having to demolish it.

Acting mayor Mhlangabezi Mangcotywa, who is also EMLM’s technical service portfolio head, tabled an update report on the restoration of the Town Hall at Friday’s council meeting.

Mangcotywa was standing in for mayor Thembeka Bunu, who had to leave before the council meeting began as she was ill.

Mangcotywa said the item served to advise the council on EMLM’s interactions with the National Heritage Council concerning the historical town hall.

The Komani heritage site, built in 1880, went up in flames in January this year.

The council report, which Mangcotywa read, stipulated that in February engineers had conducted a structural assessment of the gutted building, in which they recommended it be demolished for the sake of public safety and that of surrounding buildings.

Mangcotywa said a report was then submitted to the National Heritage Council for further directives.

“During earlier discussions between the technical services directorate and representatives from the National Heritage Council, the view was expressed that the ’heritage feel’ in front of the building is still structurally sound.

“The municipality’s insurers, on the other hand, had a different view and have ordered the municipality to destroy the remaining section,” Mangcotywa said.

But despite the report, the National Heritage Council representatives remained adamant.

Mangcotywa said a meeting was then convened in August between the SA Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), the national cabinet representative (NCR) team and officials from the municipality.

It was resolved that demolishing the building had to be the last resort; all relevant parties be approached to provide the best solution for the Komani community; and a heritage consultant or architect be appointed (through supply chain management processes) to conduct an assessment of the building.

It was also resolved that the Built Environment Unit of SAHRA be provided with copies of the fire services and structural engineer’s reports after the fire, and that the building should not be demolished.

The NCR, Dr Monde Tom, rectified one of the recommendations.

Tom said: “We need to go to an open market of those with technical knowledge to establish the [historical architectural] value of the building.

“There are not that many of them in the market.”

The adopted recommendations were that council appoint a heritage consultant or architect to conduct an assessment of the building and give advice on whether it could be restored.

DA councillor Zuko Mandile supported the recommendations.

“Indeed the town hall is an eyesore. The chief financial officer made a presentation regarding the insurance of the Town Hall; the council did not receive the exact amount the Town Hall was insured for.

“He mentioned the R12m figure but said there were more engagements that were yet to be concluded,” Mandile said.

The Independents councillor, Ken Clark, suggested an architectural firm in Cape Town with heritage capability and which had detailed drawings from attempts to revamp the town hall be appointed.

Council speaker Noluthando Nqabisa proposed the restoration of the building be registered under integrated development planning (IDP) for allocation from the municipal infrastructure grant.

She also proposed the company from Cape Town be given an opportunity to present before council.

“When the time comes we will encourage that firm to give us a quote and it should be allowed to give a presentation on how they can assist us,” Nqabisa said.