Africa-Press – South-Africa. Pressure is mounting for the Western Cape government to release the report commissioned by the provincial government into the George building collapse.
It’s almost a year since the five-storey development, known as 75 Victoria, caved in, killing 34 people while it was still under construction.
On Friday, the provincial Legislature’s standing committee on infrastructure was briefed by various role-players on what happened on May 6 last year.
Last month, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane released findings of the National Home Builders Regulatory Council investigation, which revealed that officials had not properly registered the development before construction started.
Opposition parties have questioned why the expert report compiled by an independent structural engineering firm appointed by the Western Cape government has not been made public.
The provincial Infrastructure MEC, Tertuis Simmers, said the report is in the hands of the police as it forms part of their criminal probe.
“So, until such time that the criminal investigation is complete and until the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] makes its decision known chairperson, and I’m expanding on this because I was asked very broad questions pertaining to why it’s not coming to the legislature, and why it’s not made public.
“We must respect the rule of law; that’s also in our oath, even as an executive member. Once the NPA does its work and there’s a conclusion in the matter and it goes to court or not, then the premier will honour his commitment,” said Simmers.
However, the ANC’s Khalid Sayed says he doesn’t buy this response.
“The national minister has accounted to the public and to the National Assembly, but, of course, you can call upon spheres or representatives of national government to come here, that’s fine,” said Sayed.
The Good Party’s Brett Herron says the committee should consider summoning Premier Alan Winde to make the report public.
“You also referred to Section 115 of the Constitution, which allows us as a committee to summon any person to appear before it to give evidence on oath or affirmation or to produce documents. We can do the same with the premier,” said Herron.
For More News And Analysis About South-Africa Follow Africa-Press
