In South Africa, the George building collapse has resulted in 32 casualties, with eight more victims recovered on Tuesday. Currently, 20 people remain unaccounted for, while 13 are receiving medical care in hospitals.
Although a week has passed since the multi-story building’s collapse, the cause of this tragic event remains elusive, prompting ongoing rescue efforts and investigations by Western Cape authorities.
Acknowledging the government’s limited knowledge regarding the main contractor responsible for the collapsed structure, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala stresses the need for regulatory improvements.
This lack of information is legally permissible, as the company is not mandated to register with the Construction Industry Development Board when working for private clients.
Minister Zikalala highlights the CIDB Amendment Bill as a measure to enhance compliance and enforcement within the construction sector.
Simultaneously, the South African Council for the Projects and Construction Management Professions diligently investigates whether the contractors involved in the project were duly registered, underscoring the importance of accountability and adherence to industry standards during such tragic incidents.
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