Last week saw the conclusion of the 260-hour rescue and recovery operation at the collapsed five-storey building site in George as well as the launch of a formal investigation when the site was handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The building on 75 Victoria Street collapsed on Monday, 6 May, just after 2pm. While it was believed that a total of 81 workers were on-site at the time of the collapse, Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell confirmed that this was revised to 62 workers.
The tragic incident resulted in the successful rescue of 34 individuals and the deaths of 34 workers including five who were rescued but, sadly, succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
Also read: George building collapse: Search and rescue efforts concludes after 260 hours
In a media statement, Cape Town Premier Alan Winde confirmed that the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) investigation into the cause of the construction site’s collapse is gathering momentum.
The government’s probe was launched a day after the tragic incident.
‘While we are aware of other investigations that are underway by other bodies, this incident happened in our province and impacted our residents,’ said Winde. ‘As Premier, I have a responsibility to our residents to ensure that we get the answers that everyone is seeking.’
Providing an update, the premier explained that the investigation is being led by V3 Consulting Engineers and comprises several phases.
‘It was emphasised that the collecting of samples from the site had to be done as soon as possible before the rubble was removed to ensure the integrity of the process,’ he added. ‘At the same time, it was important to ensure that no investigation interfered with the search, rescue and recovery operation.’
He also added that material samples needed to be collected and meticulously documented.
‘The process began as soon as the investigating team arrived on site and was undertaken with the cooperation of the SAPS. Evidence was collected under the supervision of the SAPS,’ said Winde.
to assist the investigation, additional documents to be analysed are being sourced and include:
- construction drawings
- planning and approval applications
- occupational health and safety reports
- site diaries
Emphasising the need for a clinical thorough process to ensure that all processed and documented evidence will be sufficient enough to hold up in any ensuing legal matter, Winde added that technical testing will also be carried out as part of a geotechnical assessment and interviews will be conducted with service providers involved in the construction project.
‘There must be consequences for this tragedy,’ said Winde. ‘We owe this to the victims and their families. We also have a responsibility to ensure that everything is done to prevent a similar tragedy like this happening in our province again.’
Concluding the update, the Premier extended his condolences to the loved ones of another patient who was extracted from the debris but has since passed away in hospital.
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Picture: George Municipality / Facebook