This project involved our appointment to conduct a site assessment at Eden Square Mall in Phalaborwa following the fire incident in March 2025. The purpose of the assessment was to determine a fair and technically sound replacement specification and associated cost for the areas affected by the fire. Our team performed a comprehensive site walk on 30 June 2025, undertaking high-level visual inspections across Structural, Fire, Mechanical (HVAC and Wet Services), and Electrical Engineering disciplines.
The assessment included a detailed review of existing structural inspection and post-fire damage reports, as well as an evaluation of fire protection documentation and compliance against applicable South African National Standards, including SANS 10139, SANS 10400 (A, T and W), and SANS 10287. Attention was given to the extent of damage within the Pick n Pay, Arcade, SPUR, basement, and associated external areas. Findings confirmed significant fire-related damage to sections of the fire detection and protection systems, necessitating full replacement installations in certain zones, including new sprinkler systems and fire detection components where infrastructure had been destroyed.
Although this appointment was limited to inspection and assessment, it demonstrated our capability to deliver structured, compliance-driven technical evaluations within post-disaster environments. The project reinforced our role as a trusted engineering advisor, providing clear, standards-aligned recommendations to support informed decision-making and responsible reinstatement planning.
