In May, a partially completed five-storey apartment block in George, Western Cape, collapsed, injuring dozens more. Following a government inquiry, Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson announced that the incident was "entirely preventable."
The investigation uncovered multiple failures, including the use of low-quality materials, existing structural cracks, and noticeable gaps in the construction before the disaster struck. Macpherson noted that workers had voiced concerns about vibrations within the structure, and alarming signs were repeatedly ignored, even leading to the resignation of a health and safety officer who protested the ongoing work.
Despite the risks, construction continued, forcing workers to cover holes with inadequate materials. The minister expressed frustration that opportunities to halt the project were missed, claiming issues were systematically concealed.
He called for accountability for those responsible and highlighted the ongoing police investigation, which has yet to make any arrests. Survivors of the disaster are still grappling with the psychological and financial aftermath, with one victim openly detailing her struggles since the collapse.
Macpherson vowed to implement new regulations aimed at enhancing oversight in the construction sector and revising outdated laws. The investigation was jointly conducted by the Council for the Built Environment and the Engineering Council of South Africa, shedding light on the need for urgent reform.
The investigation uncovered multiple failures, including the use of low-quality materials, existing structural cracks, and noticeable gaps in the construction before the disaster struck. Macpherson noted that workers had voiced concerns about vibrations within the structure, and alarming signs were repeatedly ignored, even leading to the resignation of a health and safety officer who protested the ongoing work.
Despite the risks, construction continued, forcing workers to cover holes with inadequate materials. The minister expressed frustration that opportunities to halt the project were missed, claiming issues were systematically concealed.
He called for accountability for those responsible and highlighted the ongoing police investigation, which has yet to make any arrests. Survivors of the disaster are still grappling with the psychological and financial aftermath, with one victim openly detailing her struggles since the collapse.
Macpherson vowed to implement new regulations aimed at enhancing oversight in the construction sector and revising outdated laws. The investigation was jointly conducted by the Council for the Built Environment and the Engineering Council of South Africa, shedding light on the need for urgent reform.
