CAPE TOWN – The Western Cape Cabinet will soon study a preliminary investigative report compiled by its administration on the George building collapse.
Premier Alan Winde has also not ruled out a provincial inquiry into the cause of the implosion that killed at least 33 people when the partially completed apartment block caved in on more than 60 workers in May.
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Responding to debate on his Opening of Parliament Address on Thursday, Winde said the police and the Department of Labour must conclude their investigation first before further decisions are taken on wider probes.
“I must give the Department of Labour their space to finish their investigation. They actually have a very serious role to play in this space of making sure the rules are adhered to, especially on building sites.”
But Winde said the provincial Department of Infrastructure is ready to lay its findings on the table.
“What I can tell you is the preliminary report was received by the department last week. They are busy working through that report, and they will bring it more than likely to our next Cabinet meeting. That surely would help us on the way to say we’ve got sufficient evidence to lay charges, to do whatever we need to do.”
Winde said the victims and their families continue to receive social support from the provincial government and local humanitarian organisations.
EWN
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