George building collapse report to be released by minister today

THE much anticipated investigation report and findings by the National Home Builders Regulatory Council's (NHBRC) on the George building collapse that claimed 34 lives is expected to be released by Human Settlements minister Thembi Simelane today.

- NICOLA DANIELS

Simelane last week told the portfolio committee that the NHBRC had failed to follow its internal processes during the registration phase of the ill-fated project, leading to catastrophic consequences.

According to the minister, the building was listed on paper as a single storey while it was a multi-storey complex. Simelane said the investigation found nothing wrong with the quality of the material used in the construction work, however the "processes, systems, and structural designs are what would have led to the collapse of the building."

She said names of officials and the contractor, Liatel, had been sent to the police to conclude their investigation.

The George Municipality yesterday said the NHBRC was the oversight authority for the duration of the construction project and the municipality is not involved in any on-site construction inspections. The municipality also maintained a five storey building was approved.