George Municipality yet to receive expert report on cause of building collapse
George Mayor Jackie von Brandis said that a structural engineering firm appointed in December last year had promised to have a full report available soon.
CAPE TOWN - The George Municipality said it has not yet received an expert report it initiated to probe the cause of the tragic building collapse in the town.
The municipality's senior officials briefed the Western Cape Legislature's standing committee on infrastructure on Friday on what happened on 6 May last year.
Thirty-four people were killed when a partially built five-storey apartment building collapsed on 75 Victoria Road.
The disaster triggered an 11-day search and recovery operation.
George Mayor Jackie von Brandis said that a structural engineering firm appointed in December last year had promised to have a full report available soon.
"Their investigation included on-site assessments during the clearing of the site. I have not received this report yet. We did follow up prior to coming to this engagement, and it was said to us that we will receive it urgently and we hope as soon as we receive it, we will bring it to council's attention before we take it anywhere else."
She added that council also sought legal advice against any potential legal implications.
"The legal opinion concluded that Section 23 of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act provides statutory protection to the municipality against liability for losses incurred during the construction of the building, provided that the building plans have been duly approved by the municipality."