Government Confirms Final Report on George Building Collapse Will Be Released by End of May Following Year-Long Investigation

It’s been a year since the heartbreaking collapse of a five-storey building in George that claimed 34 lives and left 28 others seriously injured.

Now, the government has assured the public that the final report on the incident will be completed by the end of May.

This was confirmed during a solemn commemoration ceremony in George earlier this week.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, addressed the attendees, reaffirming the government’s dedication to accountability and transparency.

He made it clear that anyone found responsible for the collapse—whether from the public or private sectors—must face the consequences of their actions.

Acknowledging Widespread Failures in the Construction Process

An independent forensic investigation into the collapse revealed a range of serious failures across the system.

The investigation pointed to a lack of oversight, disregard for building regulations, and a breakdown in safety standards throughout the project.

Critical mistakes were found in nearly every stage, from planning to construction.

The building, which was originally approved as a single-storey structure, was later expanded to five storeys without undergoing the necessary technical reviews.

The inquiry also uncovered the use of substandard construction materials, irregular project enrollments, and a failure to adhere to occupational health and safety protocols.

Honoring the Victims and Addressing the Ongoing Trauma

During the commemoration event, Minister Macpherson took a moment to honor the victims, their grieving families, and the brave rescue workers who spent 11 long days searching the rubble for survivors.

However, for the families of the victims and the survivors, the pain and trauma from the incident are far from over.

Many survivors continue to deal with long-term physical injuries and the loss of income, highlighting the lasting human cost of the disaster.

Families have called for justice and ongoing support to help them through their ongoing hardships.

What the Upcoming Report Means for the Future

The anticipated final report is expected to suggest decisive actions, including legal steps against those found negligent in the building’s collapse.

Authorities have assured the public that the report’s findings will first be shared with the affected families before being made publicly available.

In the meantime, there’s a lingering question for many: How safe do people feel working in high-rise buildings now?