The closure of Oamaru's prefabricated courthouse this week after air-quality problems made staff unwell is yet another example of why the facility is ''grossly inadequate'', Oamaru lawyer Michael de Buyzer says.
All matters due to be heard in court today have been adjourned until March 18, as a decision not to use the facility was made after staff reported feeling unwell.
''In February, staff reported a chemical smell near the toilets in the staff section of the facility and subsequently feeling unwell,'' District Courts general manager Tony Fisher said.
''Once we get the results, we will be in a position to inform everyone who uses the court of the cause and any remedial action that needs to be taken.''
Staff from neighbouring business Sheet Metal Specialists said they had noticed a strong ''sewage'' smell coming from the building last week.
The smell was not as noticeable this week, they said.
Mr de Buyzer, a partner at Berry and Co, said while he had not been affected as no smell had been reported in the courtroom, it was of ''considerable concern'' that the ''new and so-called improved facility is making people ill''.
It highlighted the need for a more adequate court facility in Oamaru; ideally a shift back to the historic Oamaru District Courthouse in Thames St.
''We wouldn't be having all these issues,'' he said.
''[The Humber St facility] is grossly insufficient ... it's just inadequate.''
It had been a difficult time for everyone since the Oamaru District Courthouse was closed on November 30, 2011, after it was deemed an earthquake risk, Mr de Buyzer said.
''Going to Timaru, going to the Opera House and then having a facility making the staff sick.''
Meanwhile, a design for structural changes to the Humber St facility has been confirmed.
The Ministry of Justice is increasing the number of interview rooms at the facility from one to three, and increasing the public waiting space.
The Waitaki District Council has granted building consent.
Work is due to start this month and finish in May, taking into account scheduled hearing days and Easter.
Mr de Buyzer said any additional space to interview clients would be an improvement on the current facilities.
''All they are doing is acknowledging deficiencies in the original design.
''I can't understand why they would've thought that one interview room would have ever been sufficient.''
The council had also tested the water supply and ministry contractors had checked the plumbing at the Humber St facility.
''No issues were found with either the plumbing or the water,'' Mr Fisher said.
