Parliament, Wednesday, 8 May 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Ms Machwene Semenya, has called for the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to immediately institute a full-scale investigation in line with their mandate into the unfortunate and deadly building collapse in George.
“We are extremely distressed by the incident, the loss of life and injuries experienced. We continue to pray and hope that workers that remain trapped in the building will be found alive despite the lengthy rescue and recovery process. Efforts, however, should already be underway to institute a full-scale investigation on the causes of the collapse and those culpable must be held accountable,” Ms Semenya emphasised.
According to Ms Semenya, the NHBRC has a moral and legal duty to investigate and report on any shortcomings in the building process. The investigation should focus on whether there was bad workmanship, registration of the builders and whether the materials used are in accordance with building standards in the country as per the Housing Consumers Protection Measurement Act.
Ms Semenya also called for collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the provincial investigating team to ensure that the investigation covers all aspects. “A full-scale report will assist in ensuring that such unfortunate incidents do not occur again in this country,” Ms Semenya emphasised.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS. MS MACHWENE SEMENYA.
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