Eastern Cape government commits to restore gutted Botha Sigcau building

The Eastern Cape provincial government has committed to restoring the gutted Botha Sigcau building in Mthatha once a full damage assessment is completed.

The historic building, which was once the government headquarters, has been destroyed, with police yet to determine the cause of the blaze.

On Wednesday night, thick smoke could still be seen coming out of the structure that went up in flames on Tuesday.

ALSO READ:

Devastating fire destroys Botha Sigcau Building, Mpondo Royal family laments loss of heritage

Firefighters still battling to contain Botha Sigcau building fire

Eastern Cape government services disrupted after Botha Sigcau building fire

It took almost the entire day for the province’s Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, to get to the site on Wednesday.

To date, authorities are yet to determine the cause of the inferno and the cost of damage.

Lusithi said the government will not let the building be history.

“Our immediate task will be restoring it because we believe, both morally and politically, our consciousness cannot allow us to allow this building to go to ruins, and we will do all that we can to save it.”

She said the national government and the Presidency will be roped in to assist.

“We are looking into declaring this site a disaster,” added Lusithi.

Technical teams are expected to start their probe on Friday; however, only once the building is declared safe for that work to begin.