Initial investigations have raised concerns requiring further scrutiny regarding the building collapse in George, Western Cape.
On Monday, Sihle Zikala, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, inspected the site.
Zikalala inspects George collapsed building
Addressing the media, Zikalala confirmed that the death toll has increased to 30, with 22 individuals still unaccounted for as rescue operations persist.
At the moment of the collapse, there were a total of 81 individuals present at the site. Among them, 13 are currently hospitalised.
The minister emphasised that the incident required the involvement of his department.
“We are here to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident,” said Zikalala.
“The purpose of our visit is to ascertain the role of professionals who were involved with this project and assess if there was sufficient compliance with all building and environment regulations and to establish if there is no misconduct committed by the professionals leading to this disaster,” Zikalala explained.
He informed the media that the site remained a crime scene, with law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), conducting investigations.
“Therefore, [it is] only accessible to the Saps and the disaster management teams. However, there is a preliminary report which present prima facie issues that warrant further examination regarding this disaster.”
According to The Citizen, Zikalala revealed that it had been discovered that the primary contractor needed to be registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), which oversees the construction sector.
Interestingly, this registration was optional for private companies.
“In the current legislation, the contractors working in the private sector do not undergo this assessment.”
He emphasised that the CIDB Bill was designed to address this loophole. The public has until May 31st to provide feedback on the proposed legislation.
Additionally, the minister disclosed that authorities had received two complaints regarding an individual associated with the construction project.
Contractors at George site tight-lipped: Minister Cele
Investigators probing the construction tragedy have faced difficulties determining the exact number of individuals present at the site when the five-story structure collapsed one week ago.
Police Minister Bheki Cele stated that subcontractors at the collapsed apartment block in George are not cooperating with the police.
Investigators examining the construction tragedy have been unable to ascertain the precise number of individuals present at the site when the five-story structure collapsed one week ago.
The Neo Trend Group has been identified as the property owner, while Liatel is the principal contractor, working alongside six subcontractors.
According to Eyewitness News,26 fatalities have been confirmed, with an additional 26 individuals believed to be missing.
Building plans were submitted to the municipality in December 2022 and approved seven months later.
The completion of the 42 apartments was scheduled for July, with plans for handover to their new owners.
However, those associated with the now-destroyed block of flats are hesitant to cooperate with investigations into the collapse.
Police Minister Bheki Cele mentioned that information needs to be provided in response to the requested documents.
Further probes, including one by the labour department, can only commence once the police investigation is concluded.
