There appears to have been several shortcomings in Parliament’s measures to contain any potential fire at the building.

The City of Cape Town fire department’s report on the devastating Sunday blaze reveals that the National Assembly sprinkler valve was closed and not serviced for the past four years. The fire doors were left open, contributing to the spread of the fire. Station Commander JJ Williams says the valves should be serviced every three years and be properly secured.

Issues were also picked up with the ventilation in the emergency staircases. Divisional Commander Wayne Visser says they were poorly ventilated with minimal natural vents to the outside.

The devastating fire that gutted the National Assembly and affected the Old Assembly was contained after two days.

The fire report has been handed over to Parliament’s presiding officers.