The company that owns the land where the five-storey building collapsed in George on Monday has distanced itself from employing construction workers at the site.
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Neo Victoria Developments (Pty) Ltd issued a statement to EWN through their attorney, Hanno Brummer & Associates, aiming to clarify misunderstandings and incorrect information.
The law firm emphasised that its client is the developer of the building project, not the building contractor. They clarified that the contractor was appointed by their client to oversee the construction of the five-storey building.
The statement also emphasised that the developers had no employees on the site, with construction workers being either employed by contractors or sub-contractors.
Additionally, it was stated that Neo Victor Developments, the developer involved, has been collaborating with the police in their inquiry and has extended its support from the outset.
Earlier, Theuns Kruger, Director of Liatel Developments, the contracted builder of the structure, informed Reuters that efforts were being made to aid those present at the site of the five-story residential building.
Kruger stated to the publication, ‘The investigations to follow obviously will reveal what has transpired and what has happened, but at this point in time it’s just saving as many people as we possibly can.’
On 3 September 2020, the George Municipality disclosed that a pre-application form for the proposed development had been submitted to its Town Planning Department by Jan Vrolijk Town Planner, representing the landowners.
The building plan application received approval on 6 July 2023, and was issued to the applicant.
Chantel Edwards, spokesperson for George Municipality, stated, ‘The approval outcome follows two previous rejections of the building plan due to insufficient service details and outstanding contributions. Approval was granted only after the Building Control Officer (BCO) confirmed compliance with the requirements.’
The estimated value of the development exceeded R39 million. Edwards elaborated, ‘The development, valued at R39 544,000 upon approval, encompasses a basement and ground-floor parking, with four floors of residential apartments above. The plans included 42 approved apartments on a site area of 1 228 square meters, totalling 4 943 square meters, with a coverage of 877.4 square meters (71.45%).’
Construction progressed with the installation of a concrete roof and various service installations at the site.
Edwards clarified, ‘The municipality has no prior safety violations on record by the developer within the George municipal area.’
She also outlined compliance procedures during construction, noting that the municipality is not involved in monitoring compliance reports, which are typically handled internally by the owner, developer, and their professional team.
As of Friday afternoon, the death toll had risen to 12, with rescue operations ongoing to locate the 41 workers still missing.
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Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images