The death toll from the devastating building collapse in George last week has risen to 33, and now there are questions about how this happened and regulatory compliance. Here are the issues emerging:
🔹 Board registration: According to Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala, developer Liatel Construction was not registered with the Construction Industry Development Board. This was due to a loophole in current legislation affecting only “private sector clients.” Zikalala has said there will be a thorough investigation and accountability.
🔹 Engineering sign-off: The engineer who has signed off the project, Atholl Mitchell, has a history of very unhappy clients, who told the Daily Maverick (DM) they have had serious problems with the quality of his work and his forceful temperament. Some reported him to the Engineering Council Of South Africa, but “nothing had come of it”. The council told DM there was “insufficient evidence, based on the investigation, to suggest a transgression of the applicable Code of Conduct for Registered Persons”.
🔹 Illegal foreign workers: Several investigations are being conducted, including by the police and departments of labour and home affairs, about the possible exploitation of undocumented foreign refugees and the violation of relevant laws and regulations. Workers hailed from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, and Lesotho.
The tragedy occurred on 6 May when a multi-storey apartment block under construction on Victoria Street collapsed, trapping workers beneath the debris.
As of midday today, the George Municipality confirmed that rescue teams have pulled 62 people from the site, with 33 confirmed dead and 12 admitted to the hospital. 81 people were on the site at the time of the collapse, leaving 19 people still unaccounted for.
Amidst the tragedy, a glimmer of hope emerged when a man was found alive 116 hours after the collapse. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde described the rescue as a miracle, with teams drilling to provide water and medical attention to the survivor.
Going forward we need answers on the issues raised – and accountability for those responsible.
