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[File Image] A rescue worker removes rubble from the site where construction workers are trapped under a building that collapsed in George, South Africa May 7, 2024.
Families of victims of the George building collapse in the Western Cape, have expressed anger following news that the site is set for auction. The site is said to make way for new apartments.
Thirty four people were killed in the tragedy in May last year, while 28 others were injured.
A representative of the victims and families from Lesotho, Sibusiso Ngobesi, says they were hoping the site would be turned into a memorial park.
“We are hoping that that the space will be a memorial space because there are lives lost there and other people were injured. So, now when they saying they are auctioning it, who’s going to have that memorial, because it’s supposed to be a memorial park or something,” says Ngobesi.
George Municipality spokesperson Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe says the property owners, Neo Victoria Developments, are now under liquidation.
He says the municipality has withdrawn its nearly R10 million claim for recovery costs.
“Any outstanding municipal claims do not stop the auction from proceeding. Any new owner that buys the property will not be allowed to continue to use the previously approved plans. Those plans are no longer valid and must be resubmitted for formal approval by the municipality in line with the national building regulations,” says Mangqwengqwe.
