George building disaster: This event will impact many lives for years to come, says development team

The landowners of Neo Victoria, the apartment block that imploded earlier this week in George in the Western Cape, said the incident left not only the community but the whole world in ‘total disbelief and utmost shock’.

A letter was sent to Caxton Local Media last night on behalf of Neo Victoria Developments, providing more information on the team behind the development of the apartment block.

“We cannot stop praying for the best possible outcome – even though we cannot predict or pre-empt what is to come,” the letter reads.

The landowner’s first response to the disaster

According to the letter, Neo Victoria Developments prioritised information gathering following the collapse, to provide rescuers with the essential facts needed to plan rescue efforts.

“This new building, almost at a stage of completion, was the workplace for many construction workers, many of whom got trapped in the implosion.

“The safety and rescue of workers are the main concern and priority. It was clear that nothing said and done afterwards could undo the tragic disaster.”

The letter reads that the implosion was first reported to the relevant authorities. Thereafter, the development contractor, who employed the construction teams, started to determine the status of the people on-site who were affected by the collapse.

“The information of the development became subject to questions and, in instances, also speculation. It is important to clarify the contractual information of the development.”

Entities involved

Neo Victoria Developments provided the following list of entities involved in the development and construction of the building:

1. Owner of the land: Neo Victoria Developments Pty Ltd
2. Development co-ordination and management: Neotrend Developments Pty Ltd & East Africa Development Pty Ltd
3. The development contractor in control of the construction and building site: Liatel Developments Pty Ltd
4. Structural and civil engineer: Mitchell & Associates
5. Project architect: Deon van der Westhuizen Architects cc
6. Principal agent: Mitchell & Associates
7. Quantity surveyor: Matla Quantity Surveyors Pty Ltd
8. Health & safety officer: 4Front Safety and Security Consultants Pty Ltd
9. Electrical engineer: Clinkscales Maughan-Brown Pty Ltd
10. Fire engineer: Duane Hodges Consulting Engineer

“In as far as the media referred to Ice Projects Pty Ltd being involved in the development, it must be noted that is factually incorrect. This party is not involved in any capacity in the development.”

‘Buildings are not built with the purpose to collapse’

The letter further states that as owners and developers, they are ‘more than shocked and horrified with this catastrophe’.

“Buildings are not built with the purpose to collapse. The project team of specialists are appointed to execute the planning, design, and manage the construction process and quality of work.

“As landowners and developers, we have committed to work with the investigating teams to analyse and evaluate whatever is needed as soon as practically possible.”

Landowner commits to co-operate with investigations

Neo Victoria Developments says the priority remains to attend to victims of the disaster. Appreciation was extended to the George Municipality and local community who are actively assisting in the disaster.

“The development team is fully committed and supportive of the investigations envisaged by the premier of the Western Cape Province to determine the cause of the tragedy and undertake to co-operate fully with all authorities.

“We mourn the loss of life, the injuries suffered, and the bereavement of the loved ones and families affected. We are deeply moved by the actions of the rescue teams and authorities.”

The letter concludes by saying that Neo Victoria Developments will provide support where they can, and co-operate with the authorities in control of the operation and any process in the investigation.

Registration council reacts

The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) responded to a query by Caxton Local Media, saying that the council commiserates with all the people affected by the collapse.

“As the search-and-rescue operation continues, we anticipate that a forensic investigation is underway to determine the root cause of the building’s collapse.

“The outcome of the inquest and forensic investigation will determine the way forward. As the regulator in the homebuilding industry, the NHBRC is available to respond to any questions posed to assist with the investigation.”

The NHBRC did not respond to specific questions regarding the registration of contractors or the building regulations involved in residential development.