THE investigation into the collapse of the George building, which claimed the lives of 34 people, has uncovered that the company in question inaccurately presented its capabilities during the registration phase and failed to declare its intention to construct a multi-story building.

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane disclosed this when she briefed the media on the findings of the National Home Builders Registration Council’s (NHBRC) investigation into the incident. Liatel Developments, under director Theuns Kruger was the company contracted for the development.

The investigation led to findings covering areas such as the homebuilder certification, inspection model, supervision, structural defects, skills adequacy of non-technical engineering persons and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety Act, among others.

The collapse tarnished the NHBRC’s reputation that has been built over the years, said Simelani.

“Therefore, we shall not hesitate to act against those who bring and have brought shame to our institution, including our own. The investigation into the certification process revealed significant irregularities in their registration. The company in question inaccurately presented its capabilities during the registration phase. It failed to declare its intention to construct a multi-story building. This omission breached NHBRC’s policies, which require transparency regarding a home builder's intended project scope in technical capacity. By bypassing this rigorous process, a company in question compromised its registration and certification of the project.

“The investigation revealed several breaches of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards on the construction. These include failure to address safety concerns, resignation of safety consultant, and absence of OHS provisions in the NHBRC procedures," Simelane said.

The investigation also found “significant deficiencies” in the oversight and assessment of the manager’s qualifications as the latter were not thoroughly re-assessed at the time of appointment.

According to the report, this played a major role in the technical missteps observed during the construction, said Simelani.

“There were gaps in the competency of key personnel. This included unqualified personnel who lacked formal qualifications in engineering or quantity surveying playing critical roles such as inspections. The competency of a Technical Manager was found wanting. The outcome of the investigation has also made recommendations that implicated officials be held accountable for their actions. The charges that will be levelled against them include dereliction of duty, misconduct, negligence, dishonesty, and misrepresentation in official inspection reports. We will continue to monitor that this is done by following due process.”

The NHBRC had since suspended five officials who were implicated in the report.

Simelane’s spokesperson, Tsekiso Machike did not respond to further questions around when the report would be made public.

The report had been handed to law enforcement agencies for further criminal investigations.

Police spokesperson Christopher Spies confirmed their investigations were ongoing.

“An inquest docket was opened at the time of the incident. This docket will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision upon the conclusion of the probe,” said Spies.

Cape Times