Parliament, Thursday, 12 March 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Carol Phiri, has expressed grave concern over the increasing number of building collapses in the country, emphasising the urgent need to strengthen the regulatory system governing the built environment.
These concerns were raised yesterday during discussions about the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s delays in finalising key legislation, including the Infrastructure Development Amendment Bill, the Public Works Bill, the GIAMA Amendment Bill and the CIDB Amendment Bill.
Ms Phiri highlighted that construction site failures, which often result in loss of life and life-changing injuries, demand immediate action to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.
The committee stressed that the lack of criminal convictions for negligence leading to building collapses undermines public confidence in the regulatory framework. Ms Phiri stated, “The country is facing a serious problem with building collapses. This requires urgent attention to ensure that lives are not lost because of weaknesses in the regulatory system of the built environment.” The committee emphasised that all parties involved in construction projects, including developers, engineers and other professionals, must face consequences for negligence.
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean Macpherson, agreed with the committee’s concerns, stating that criminal consequences should follow instances where negligence leads to loss of life. The committee cited recent building collapses in George and Ormonde as examples of the urgent need for accountability.
The committee recommended engaging with professional councils in the built environment sector and reviewing the Council for the Built Environment Act as critical to addressing governance challenges and improving compliance. Strengthening collaboration between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) was identified as another step towards safer construction practices.
Ms Phiri warned that prolonged delays in preparing legislation weaken its effectiveness and reduce momentum for implementation. The Minister acknowledged these concerns, noting that progress has been hindered because some of the legislation is still subject to further consultations and amendments, making it difficult for the department to proceed with implementation.
Additionally, the committee raised concerns about contractors abandoning government infrastructure projects before completion, urging stricter measures to discourage such practices. The committee welcomed the department’s recommendation to receive presentations on infrastructure-led growth through improved compliance from Infrastructure South Africa.
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure remains committed to ensuring accountability, strengthening governance and improving compliance within the built environment to protect lives and restore public confidence.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, MS CAROL PHIRI.
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E-mail: jamajozi@parliament.gov.za
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