Huge bill for repair of fire damaged admin building

THE estimated cost of repairs to the Bell Equipment building that was damaged by fire in January, is R20-million.

This includes both the repairs to the administration block – a portion of which was gutted by the fire – and replacement of the contents that were either damaged or destroyed.

According to Stephen Jones, Bell Equipment’s Director: Group Marketing, Alliances and Dealers, investigators were unable to determine where the fire had started and its exact cause.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Fire takes heavy toll at Bell Equipment

An electrical fault stemming from secondary equipment, such as a cellphone charger, multi-plug or standby power supply, is believed to be the most probable cause.

‘The building will be reinstated to its original state, but this is taking longer than expected,’ said Jones.

‘Although the structural engineer’s report indicates that the damage was not as extensive as initially thought, the structure still requires reinforcing.

ALSO READ: Bell blaze under investigation

‘The building is also 35 years old, so our plans need to comply with changes to the building regulations.

‘At the same time, we are looking at implementing energy saving and ‘green’ initiatives in the building.

‘We have engaged a project management team and once the plans have been finalised, they will go through the municipal approval process.

ALSO READ: Business as usual after major plant fire

‘We anticipate project completion at the end of October.’

Displaced employees have settled into their temporary offices and the construction work, once it commences, will not affect operations.

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