George building collapse | Ramaphosa says there’ll be accountability

May 16, 2024 63

President Cyril Ramaphosa says no stone will be left unturned in the investigations of the horrific George building collapse and those found wanting will be held accountable.

The President visited the scene of the tragedy yesterday.

He was accompanied by the Western Cape government delegation, which was led by Premier Alan Winde.

The President took time to greet and thank the rescue workers who were on site, some of whom had been assisting for 10 days.

So far, at least 19 people remain unaccounted for, while 33 of their colleagues (27 males, 6 females) are confirmed dead.

Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
Rescued and recovered: 62
Currently hospitalised: 12
Unaccounted for: 19

Ramaphosa has called for patients as investigations continue.

The deceased include South Africans, Zimbabweans, Malawians, Mozambicans and one person from Lesotho.

President Ramaphosa says government is in talks with the country states of the construction workers.

President Ramaphosa also met with the families of the deceased construction workers and assured them that they will be assisted, and compensation will be made available where necessary.

He also thanked community members and the Western Cape government officials for their continued assistance following the tragedy.

The public has been advised to refrain from speculating on the tragedy and to await official confirmation of the facts.

The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is among the organisations that will be investigating the incident amid concerns that the construction workers were unskilled, and the construction company responsible for the building, Liatel Construction, had been flagged before.

Western Cape Infrastructure MEC, Tertius Simmons, says the probe might take at least a year.

For their part, the provincial Department of Social Development assured affected families that a comprehensive range of services will continue to be made available to them for a minimum period of six months.

Emergency personnel are due to conclude their search operations later today and hand over the scene to the police for investigations.