MPs left fuming after being denied access to full forensic report on George building collapse

Parliament’s public works committee on Wednesday dismissed attempts to learn the reasons for last year’s building collapse in George as a waste of time.

MPs were outraged that officials were not prepared to name those who were to blame for the deaths of 34, mostly foreign, construction workers.

The Council for the Built Environment said this was because those involved in the failed construction were legally challenging the forensic findings.

CEO Msizi Myeza said releasing the report could also jeopardise criminal investigations.

A four-storey building that illegally became five – MPs have heard that workers reported unusual building movements just two days before the apartment block caved in.

While a qualified engineer was part of the construction team, he has been reported to the engineering council at least five times.

Meanwhile, the health and safety inspector resigned during construction for reasons still unknown.

But MPs were fuming that the full forensic report would not be shared with them for legal reasons.

The EconomicFreedom Fighters (EFF)'s Sharon Letlape: "People are playing hide and seek. We will never be able to get that forensic report because it will be one department against the other. SAPS is going to say this, Department of Public Works will say that, and we will never be able to conclude this matter."

ActionSA’s Malebo Kobe: "We cannot be hiding under the skirt of investigations are sensitive when there is information we need to ask."

Committee chairperson Carol Phiri said she would request to hold an in-camera meeting with all roleplayers in the room, for the full set of circumstances of the collapse to be explained to MPs.

All parliamentary meetings are open to the public unless permission is granted by the House chairperson for a closed-door meeting.

ALSO READ:

• Some George building collapse survivors happy with Macpherson’s assurance

• George building collapse: Minister saddened by findings

• George building collapse: Developer, contractor, engineer at fault - Engineering council

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