ALMOST nine months after the George building collapse claimed 34 lives, the province says it has completed an independent probe into the tragedy and handed over the findings to police.

“We have handed over the report containing the structural engineering findings from the independent probe commissioned by the Western Cape Government into the George building collapse to the SAPS. It is now in the domain of the SAPS. But we will closely monitor this matter. There must be consequences,” Premier Alan Winde said.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde announced that he handed over the independent structural engineering findings to the Police Commissioner and the lead investigator.

GOOD George Councillor Chantelle Kyd welcomed the handing over of the forensic report.

“(Yesterday) Premier Alan Winde announced that he handed over the independent structural engineering findings to the Police Commissioner and the lead investigator.

“The collapse and the days that followed will forever be in our memory. The painful loss of loved ones in such a horrific accident and the agonising wait for news on a missing person is something no person should ever have to endure,” Kyd said

She added that the report is needed to not only hold those responsible accountable but also to prevent further incidents of this nature from occurring in the future.

The investigation is one of several independent investigations which authorities said will, as each one is concluded, be consolidated to ensure accountability after the tragedy.

The 75 Victoria development luxury 42-apartment block with basement parking, collapsed on May 6.

A total of 62 people were recovered from the concrete grave following several days of rescue and recovery efforts during which approximately 6 000 tonnes of building rubble had been removed.

Last year the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) confirmed an individual - identified in media reports as a Paarl-based engineer who signed off on the plans for the project - was placed on precautionary suspension and the decision was taken to “protect any potential and/or actual prejudice to public health and safety as a result of engineering-related undertakings”.

Cape Times