The University of the Free State (UFS) has announced the completion of the refurbishment of its “Economics Building” which was gutted by fire 18 months ago.
The key to the newly revamped building was handed over to the University’s Properties & Services Department on Monday (19 September 2022).
Located on the eastern side of the Alice campus, the building went up in flames in February last year, destroying the top floor.
UFS Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, who was on-site at the time of the fire, recalls that 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 a 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.
18 months ago, the Economics Building was gutted by fire. On Monday the refurbished building was opened
