As rescue operations enter its fourth day, the the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements in Parliament, Machwene Semenya called for the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to launch an in-depth investigation into the tragic incident in George.
By Thursday, the death toll was at eight.
“We are extremely distressed by the incident, the loss of life and injuries experienced. We continue to pray and hope that the workers who remain trapped in the building will be found alive, despite the lengthy rescue and recovery process.
“Efforts, however, should already be under way to institute a full-scale investigation into the causes of the collapse and those culpable must be held accountable,” Semenya said.
She said the NHBRC has a moral and legal duty to investigate and report on any shortcomings during the building process.
“The investigation should focus on whether there was bad workmanship, registration of the builders, and whether the materials used are in accordance with building standards in the country as per the Housing Consumers Protection Measurement Act,” Semenya said.
She also called for collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the provincial investigating team to ensure the investigation covers all aspects.
“A full-scale report will assist in ensuring that such unfortunate incidents do not occur again in this country,” Semenya said.
A report by the George Municipality confirmed that 37 workers have been retrieved from the rubble, a total of eight people have died, 16 people are in critical condition, six people face life-threatening conditions and seven people sustained minor injuries.
A total of 44 workers are still unaccounted for.
Operations continue.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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