Update

GEORGE NEWS - Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said he takes the responsibility for providing answers regarding the Neo Victoria building disaster in George very seriously.
"While we are aware of other investigations that are underway by other bodies, this incident happened in our province and impacted our residents," said Winde in a statement on Wednesday 22 May. 

"As Premier I have a responsibility to our residents to ensure that we get the answers that everyone is seeking."

Last week Winde and members of his government received a status update from the team of structural engineers appointed by the Western Cape Government to investigate the cause of the George building collapse, that occurred on 6 May. V3 Consulting Engineers is leading the provincial government’s investigation, which comprises several phases.

The search and recovery operation were concluded on Friday 17 May, and the site was handed over to the police.

Winde said the process of collecting material samples from the site began as soon as the investigating team arrived at 75 Victoria Street, and was undertaken under the supervision of the police. 

"We will continue to work together until the conclusion of all investigations. We will do everything possible to ensure this entire process is handled with the professionalism and
delicacy that it deserves. But we also have a commitment to the residents of this province to help them understand what happened and if steps need to be taken what actions should be taken," said Winde.

Documents that are being sourced include: construction drawings; planning and approval applications; Occupational Health and Safety reports; and site diaries.

"Once all the documents are sourced and all materials are collected, they are accordingly analysed," reads the statement. "Technical testing will also be carried out, which is part of a geotechnical assessment. Interviews will also be conducted with service providers involved in the project."

Winde said it must be a clinical, thorough process to ensure that all evidence that is processed and documented will be sufficient enough to hold up in any ensuing legal matter. 

"There must be consequences for this tragedy," he said. "We owe this to the victims and their families. We also have a responsibility to ensure that everything is done to prevent a similar tragedy like this happening in our province again."

Winde extended his condolences to the loved ones of another patient who was extracted from the debris but has since passed away in hospital.

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