UFH Economics Building rises from the ashes

The UFH Economics Building that was gutted by fire 18 months ago has been refurbished.

 

The key to the newly revamped building was handed over to the University’s Properties & Services Department today (19 September).

 

Located on the eastern side of the Alice campus, the building went up in flames in February last year, destroying the top floor.

 

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Sakhela Buhlungu who was on-site at the time of the incident, it took security officers, maintenance personnel and other staff members about two hours to put out the blaze.

 

Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.

 

The refurbishment work commenced in January this year and included the installation of safety features that complies with health and safety standards. This includes balustrade, ventilation, air conditioning and fire detection installation.

 

The two-floor building comprises 21 offices, three lecture venues, a computer lab, a server and a strong room.

 

The fire erupted at a time when the University Management was in the middle of engaging the Health and Safety Department on tightening safety measures on campus buildings.