George building collapse: Developer, contractor, and engineer to blame

A long-awaited investigation into the deadly George building collapse has concluded, revealing serious failures across multiple levels of the project. The joint report by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and the Engineering Council of South Africa found that the developer, contractor, and engineer all played a role in the tragedy that claimed 34 lives and injured 28 others on 6 May 2024.

According to the report, safety concerns had been raised as early as 2023 but were ignored by the developer. In the days leading up to the collapse, clear signs of structural distress, including a sagging roof slab, were also overlooked by the contractor. Instead of addressing the issue, workers were instructed to patch visible cracks with sand, cement, and mortar.

More damning still was the failure of the engineer to carry out basic design checks. Inspectors found flawed calculations and inadequate oversight throughout the project. The concrete mix used in construction was far below standard, testing at just 13 MPa instead of the required 19 MPa or higher.

Msizi Myeza, Chief Executive of the CBE, described the situation as a complete breakdown of professional responsibility. He emphasised the need for stricter regulation and enforcement in the building industry. The Engineering Council confirmed that disciplinary proceedings are under way against those found responsible.

Families of the victims welcomed the findings, calling them a necessary first step towards justice. They also expressed hope that the tragedy would lead to meaningful changes in how buildings are planned, approved, and constructed.

The CBE and Engineering Council reiterated that compliance with building regulations and professional accountability are non-negotiable. The George disaster, they said, must serve as a wake-up call for the entire sector.