Labour Dept Says Owners Of Collapsed George Building Evading Inspectors “We Don’t Know Where They Are”

The Department of Labour has revealed that the owners of the five-storey apartment complex that collapsed in George are evading labour inspectors.

The property, which consisted of 42 units, was part of the portfolio of the Neo Trend Group, a property developer based in the southern cape.

The tragic incident occurred on Monday while 81 construction workers were on site. Currently, 44 workers are still trapped in the rubble, while one of the victims has unfortunately passed away in the hospital, bringing the death toll to nine.

During the preliminary investigations into the collapse, labour officials noticed a discrepancy in the number of artisans on site.

Initially, the building records indicated that there were 75 construction workers present. However, this number was revised to include six more names when four sub-contractors provided registers of artisans on duty on Monday afternoon.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: “I’m Not Going To Make It” Voice Notes From Electrician Trapped Under Rubble Of Collapsed George Building

Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi emphasised that securing these records was just the beginning. He stated, “What we did was secure the records because it’s part of our protocol to ensure that in a site like this, no records must disappear.

“When we were reconciling the numbers with the records we have, we came to the 81 people [who] were on this site.”

The principal contractor on the project, Liatel, has stated that they are cooperating with the authorities. However, the client, Neo Trend Group Ice Projects, seems to have vanished. Labour Minister Nxesi expressed his uncertainty, saying, “We do not know where they are.”

The company has already removed its online presence, including its website and all social media pages, including business profiles on LinkedIn.

This tragic incident highlights the importance of proper oversight and adherence to safety regulations in the construction industry. The Department of Labour will continue to investigate the collapse and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.