The George municipality is currently aware of the low water pressure issue in Heather Park. Our municipal team is currently on-site and conducting a thorough investigation into the low water pressure.
If you are experiencing any water-related issues, we kindly request that you report your complaints by dialing 0448016266.
We apologize for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience during this time.
Rescue and recovery efforts continue into a week to this day, after the incident took place at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 166 hours.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
In solemn remembrance of the tragic building collapse on Victoria Street one week ago. The community and residents of George and South Africa will observe a minute of silence today at 14:09 to honour the lives lost and express our collective grief and support for the affected families.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 55
* Of which deceased: 26
* Currently hospitalised: 13
* Unaccounted for: 26
FAST-TRACKING OF PATHOLOGY SERVICES
The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families.
IDENTIFICATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS
We are experiencing difficulties in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse. We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.
STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE
The Joint District Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
HUMANITARIAN COMMISSION
The Humanitarian Commission is scheduled to meet with on-site teams today to ensure that the disaster response is conducted in a humane, coordinated manner while upholding legal and ethical standards.
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
There is still an urgent call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Several practitioners have already offered there services and more are welcomed to contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.
MINISTERIAL VISITS
The National Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Sihle Zikalala, and the National Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes, will be visiting the site today.
The next update will be issued by 15:00 today, 13 May 2024.
In a somber reflection of the tragic events that unfolded one week ago today, we stand together in solemn remembrance of the lives lost in the Victoria Street building collapse, which occurred on 6 May at 14:09.
To the residents of George and all of South Africa, we humbly request your participation in observing a moment of silence today at precisely 14:09.
This act of solidarity is a poignant gesture to honor those who perished and to extend our heartfelt support to the families affected by this tragedy.
Please be advised that Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) Hibernia, MVR Blanco, Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) in Pacaltsdorp, and Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) will be closed from 2 pm on Wednesday, 15 May 2024.
All services will resume as normal on 16 May 2024.
Rescue and recovery efforts continue into a week after the incident took place at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 163 hours.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 53
* Of which deceased: 24
* Currently hospitalised: 13
* Unaccounted for: 28
FAST-TRACKING OF PATHOLOGY SERVICES
The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families.
IDENTIFICATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS
We are experiencing difficulties in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse. We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.
STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE
The Joint District Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
HUMANITARIAN COMMISSION
The Humanitarian Commission is scheduled to meet with on-site teams today to ensure that the disaster response is conducted in a humane, coordinated manner while upholding legal and ethical standards.
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
There is still an urgent call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Several practitioners have already offered there services and more are welcomed to contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.
The next update will be issued by 12:00 today, 13 May 2024.
Rescue and recovery efforts continue Monday a week after the incident took place at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 163 hours.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 53
* Of which deceased: 24
* Currently hospitalised: 13
* Unaccounted for: 28
The next update will be issued by 9am today, 13 May 2024.
Rescue and recovery efforts continue on day seven (7) at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed Monday, 6 May 2024 at 14:09. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 151 hours.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
– Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 49
– Of which deceased: 20
– Currently hospitalised: 14
– Unaccounted for: 32
The Joint District Operations Centre’s (JOC) adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services. This collaboration supports effective decision-making and resource allocation.
As mentioned before, the National Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes, along with National Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Sihle Zikalala, will be visiting the site tomorrow, 13 May 2024.
We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.
An update will be issued by 06:00 on Monday, 13 May 2024.
Dear members of the public, we kindly request your cooperation in avoiding York Street between Victoria and the bottom traffic circle tomorrow, if possible.
Additionally, we ask for your patience and understanding as heavy trucks will be travelling down York Street, so please plan your travel times accordingly. Your cooperation in ensuring a safe and efficient transportation environment is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
With 7 days into the rescue and recovery efforts at the site of the collapsed building at 75 Victoria Street, operations are still ongoing. As of 6pm on May 12, 2024, marking the 148th hour of operations, the confirmed statistics are as follows:
– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 49
– Of which deceased: 20
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 32
The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
The National Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes, along with Minister Sihle Zikalala, Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, will be visiting the site on Monday, 13 May 2024.
We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.
An update will be issued by 9pm on Sunday, 12 May 2024.
Photo Credit: Herman Pieters
Seven days into the rescue and recovery efforts at the site of the collapsed building at 75 Victoria Street operations are still ongoing. As of 3pm on May 12, 2024, marking the 145th hour of operations, the confirmed statistics are as follows:
– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 48
– Of which deceased: 19
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 33
The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
The National Minister of Police, Mr. Bheki Cele, was briefed by the Garden Route District Municipality and George Municipality Joint Operations Centre (JOC), followed by an official media briefing. Additionally, the Minister visited the families of the victims to check up on their wellbeing and express his continued support.
We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.
An update will be issued by 6pm on Sunday, 12 May 2024.
MEDIA STATEMENT: 12pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George
Issued Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, @ 12pm
Update:
Day five of rescue operations at the collapsed building site on 75 Victoria Street is underway. The multi-agency command persists in employing a systematic rescue and recovery approach, meticulously clearing rubble to uncover potential voids (open spaces) where individuals may be trapped. At 12pm, 11 May 2024, the operation has spanned 118 hours.
Rescue teams have found an individual alive and are in communication with him. They were able to provide him with water. It might still take several hours to extricate him, Medical teams are on site and ready to assist throughout.
Confirmed statistics:
– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Patients rescued: 42
– Patients deceased: 13
– Patients currently hospitalized: 13
– Unaccounted for: 39
The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a rigorous double verification protocol in reporting rescue and recovery numbers, collaborating closely with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
In our ongoing efforts to support survivors and families, we issue a call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Practitioners can reach out to Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.
Donations
There is currently a need for following safety equipment:
helmets,
safety goggles,
headlamps, and
construction gloves.
These items can be delivered to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.
We thank Love George, Gift of the Givers and George Alert Team for coordinating the donations with the support of Lions Club, Rotary, a number of small and big businesses, neighbourhood watches, faithbased organisations and members of the general public.
Further updates will be provided by 12:00 pm, 11 May 2024, South African Time.
Photo Credit: Herman Pieters, Garden Route Municipality
Issued Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, @ 09:00
Update: Day five of rescue operations at the collapsed building site on 75 Victoria Street is underway. The multi-agency command persists in employing a systematic rescue and recovery approach, meticulously clearing rubble to uncover potential voids (open spaces) where individuals may be trapped. At 09:00 am, 11 May 2024, the operation has spanned 115 hours.
Confirmed statistics:
– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Patients rescued: 41
– Patients deceased: 13
– Patients currently hospitalized: 13
– Unaccounted for: 40
The Joint District Operations Center adheres to a rigorous double verification protocol in reporting rescue and recovery numbers, collaborating closely with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
In our ongoing efforts to support survivors and families, we issue a call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Practitioners can reach out to Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.
Further updates will be provided by 12:00 pm, 11 May 2024, South African Time.
Photo Credit: Herman Pieters, Garden Route Municipality
George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 9:00 pm 10 May.
Confirmed statistics:
Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 40
Patients deceased: 12
Patients hospitalised: 33 with 13 still in hospital
Unaccounted: 41
An update will be issued by 06:00am on 11 May 2024, – South African Time.
Photo by Herman Pieters: Garden Route Municipality
Rescue operations continue at the collapsed building located at 75 Victoria Street with the multi-agency command using demolition equipment that allowed for the meticulous recovery of 40 of the 81 trapped workers.
The rescue operations has reached 101 hours as of 7:30 pm, 10 May 2024.
Confirmed statistics:
Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 40
Patients deceased: 12
Patients hospitalised: 33 with 13 still in hospital
Unaccounted: 41
Disaster management would also like to advise that currently there are enough volunteers on-site with names captured on a waiting list. The volunteer and donation response from the George community has been overwhelming and is commended and appreciated. We ask that the public please does not respond to any requests for volunteers on social media unless such notice is formally issued by the GRDM JOC and/or George Municipality,.
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has declared the incident site at Victoria Street a No-Fly Zone. This restriction will be strictly enforced, and any individuals found violating it will be subject to criminal prosecution.
An update will be issued by 9pm 10 May 2024, – South African Time.
Photo by Herman Pieters: Garden Route Municipality
Day four of the rescue response to the collapsed building located at 75 Victoria Street has the multi-agency command using demolition equipment to lift the concrete slabs currently obstructing access to the lower floors of the building site. The meticulous and skilled rescue response to date, which has allowed for the recovery of 40 persons of the 81 trapped workers has had to proceed carefully to avoid further collapse and injury.
The stability of the site is a threat to the safety of emergency personnel who have focused their efforts for the past 96 hours on rescue of as many trapped patients as is possible. The decision to switch to using heavy duty demolition equipment is not taken lightly. The demolition company has created a safe path to drive on over the site, filling in voids that have been thoroughly checked for any entrapped victims. Rescue techniques continue to be applied meticulously and sensitively at each phase.
Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 40
Patients deceased: 12
Patients hospitalised: 33 with 13 still in hospital
Unaccounted: 41
Disaster management would also like to advise that currently there are enough volunteers on-site with names captured on a waiting list. The volunteer and donation response from the George community has been overwhelming and is commended and appreciated. We ask that the public please does not respond to any requests for volunteers on social media unless such notice is formally issued by the GRDM JOC and/or George Municipality,.
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has declared the incident site at Victoria Street a No-Fly Zone. This restriction will be strictly enforced, and any individuals found violating it will be subject to criminal prosecution.
An update will be issued by 6pm on Friday 10 May 2024, – South African Time.
Photo by Herman Pieters, Garden Route Municipality
Rezoning application
On 3 September 2020, a pre-application form for the proposed development of Erf 15098, George was submitted to the George Municipality’s Town Planning Department by Jan Vrolijk Town Planner, acting on behalf of the owners of said property. Based on the outcome of the pre-application assessment, the development proposal was revised, and a new pre-application form was submitted on 23 November 2020.
In the pre-application document, the applicant expressed their intention to developing a 5-storey block of flats with a rooftop deck. The addition of the deck would result in the permitted 15m building height being exceeded by 2.17m. The parking ratio, building lines, coverage and floor factor had to be relaxed to accommodate the proposed development. At this stage as well as throughout the land use application process, the Municipality only looks at the development concept (the preliminary architect’s drawings) to get an overall idea of what the development may look like and the impact it may have the neighbourhood, the surrounding property owners, traffic movement, pedestrian safety, engineering services, and so on. The final detailed design is only addressed on the submission of building plans.
Jan Vrolijk Town Planner submitted the application in terms of Section 15(2) of the George Municipality’s Land Use Planning By-law (2015) for the Rezoning of Erf 15098, George from Business Zone IV (offices) to General Residential Zone IV (flats) as well as for certain Departures on 15 March 2021.
The public participation process was as followed in terms of the requirements of the bylaw and the closing date for comment was 21 May 2021. No comments or objections were received.
After assessment of the application, the Senior Town Planner recommended the application for approval on the following grounds:
1. The subject properties are located within walking distance from public transport facilities (“bus stops”) and supports the efficiency of public transport systems and transport orientated developments;
2. The development will provide for much needed housing opportunities within close proximity of work opportunities and social and economic amenities.
3. The proposed development supports densification in strategic areas, and optimizes the utilization of the existing resources and underutilized land within the CBD area;
4. The proposed development, in consideration of the need for densification in the CBD area, will not have an adverse impact on the adjacent neighbours’ amenity and right to privacy, views and sunlight.
5. The development can thus be deemed to be compatible with the spatial planning policies and guidelines for the area.
The recommendation was accepted, and that application was approved by the Acting Deputy Director: Planning, Mr Clinton Petersen, on 27 September 2021 in terms of the approved delegations and categorisation of applications, applicable at the time of approval.
The approval letter was issued on 01 October 2021. The Municipality notified the public of the decision on its website, advising parties of their right to appeal. The notice is placed on the website for the duration of the appeal period, which in this instance ended on 22 October 2021. No appeals were received and a letter informing the applicant of this was issued on 25 October 2021.
One of the conditions of approval for the implementation of the above approval, required the owner to apply for the approval of a site development plan. The SDP is not the detailed building plan, but rather intends to confirm that the building to be erected complies with the zoning scheme and conditions imposed with the above-mentioned approval.
The application for Permission in terms of Section 15(2) of the Land Use Planning By-law (2015) to approve the site development plan was submitted by Deon v/d Westhuizen Architects on behalf of the owners on 21 April 2022. The senior town planner found the proposal to comply with all legal requirements as stated in Section 65(2) of said By-law and the site development plan was accordingly approved by the Acting Deputy Director: Planning – Mr Clinton Petersen on 25 May 2022.
The approval letter was issued on 27 May 2022 with the 21-day appeal period also being applied. No appeal was received and a letter informing the applicant in this regard was issued on 20 June 2022.
Building plan application
The building plan application for Erf 15098, George, was approved on 6 July 2023 and issued to the applicant, Deon van der Westhuizen Architects. The outcome for approval follows two prior outcomes not to approve the building plan based on details required regarding services and outstanding contributions. The plans were only approved once the Building Control Officer (BCO) was satisfied that the requirements were met.
The SANS Form 2 for appointment of the Structural Engineer, submitted to the Municipality, accompanied the application and indicated the category of registration of the engineer as Professional Engineer and included the registration number. This registration number does not refer to the competencies the professional must hold, or the work reserved for this level of registration. The engineer was therefor deemed competent. In the submitted form the competent person confirms that he does have professional indemnity.
On the Form 2, the engineer, Atholl Mitchell, declared that he has the necessary qualifications, experience, and contextual knowledge to undertake the work proposed. The form stipulates the description of all applicable work responsibilities and the owner signed acceptance of the appointment.
The Architectural Professional Council has developed an IDOW (Identification of Work) Matrix which determines the exact type of work that can be perform by a Registered Architectural Professional in the category of registration. This IDOW is a guide for the Municipality to determine the work that can be perform by a Professional in terms of his/her category of registration and based on the information provided by the applicant, the architect was also confirmed to be competent to undertake this design.
The value of the development was estimated at R39,544,000.00 at the time of approval. The development consisted of a basement parking area, ground floor parking and four floors of residential apartments above the parking. There are 42 apartments proposed and approved on the building plans. The area of the site is 1228 square meters, and the total area of the development is 4943 square meters with a coverage of 877.4 square meters (71.45%).
Compliance during construction
At the time of the incident, construction has progressed up to and included the concrete roof with various other disciplines busy with service installations. The municipality has no record of previous safety violations by the developer within the George municipal area.
The developer with his professional team is not obliged to submit any compliance report to the municipality. The normal practise is that the owner and developer, together with their professional team will have weekly/bi-weekly or monthly meetings and inspections where progress reports are submitted to the owner/client. This practice is done with no input from the Municipality and current the applicable legislation does not demand that this information is submitted to the Municipality.
Please be advised of a further update as announced at the Premier’s media briefing at 13:00 today. Three (3) more bodies have been recovered today in addition to the 9 as announced in the previous statement.
Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 40
Patients deceased: 12
Patients hospitalised: 33 with 13 still in hospital
Unaccounted: 41
Disaster management would also like to advise that currently there are enough volunteers on-site with names captured on a waiting list. The volunteer and donation response from the George community has been overwhelming and is commended and appreciated. We ask that the public please does not respond to any requests for volunteers on social media unless such notice is formally issued by the GRDM JOC and/or George Municipality,.
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has declared the incident site at Victoria Street a No-Fly Zone. This restriction will be strictly enforced, and any individuals found violating it will be subject to criminal prosecution.
An update will be issued by 3pm on Friday 10 May 2024, – South African Time.
On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Serious
Green: Minor
Premier Alan Winde and numerous role players will today give an update on the emergency response to the building collapse tragedy in Victoria Street in George.
Date: Friday, 10 May 2024
Time: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Join online
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@premieralanwinde
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/windealan
Twitter:
The Digicon will also be recorded and will be available on the Premier’s YouTube channel.
Issued Garden Route District Joc/George Municipality, 10 May 2024, @ 9am
GRDM JOC confirms that following reports of a private drone flying over the rescue zone at Victoria Street yesterday May 9th, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has declared the incident site at Victoria Street a No-Fly Zone. This restriction will be strictly enforced, and any individuals found violating it will be subject to criminal prosecution.
Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 37
Patients blue: 9 (deceased)
Patients red status on recovery from site: 15 (critical)
Patients yellow status on recovery from site: 6 (life-threatening injuries)
Patients green status on recovery from site: 7 (minor injuries)
Unaccounted: 44
The rescue operation is approaching 91 hours, as at 10 May.
The rescue operation continues to be a multi-agency approach, involving local excavation contractors, the District Roads Engineer and a large-scale demolition company.
Rescue techniques will still be applied meticulously and sensitively by the highly skilled and experienced disaster management team.
An update will be issued by 12pm on Friday 10 May 2024, – South African Time.
On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries
Note: Medical Status of patients is not disclosed. The status given is as at recovery from the incident site.
*Note: Person declared deceased as at 10 May is a red patient who was retrieved, has been in hospital, and has now been declared deceased.
George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 3:00 pm 9 May.
Total Number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 37
Patients blue: 8 (deceased)
Patients red status on recovery from site: 16 (critical)
Patients yellow status on recovery from site: 6 (life-threatening injuries)
Patients green status on recovery from site: 7 (minor injuries)
Unaccounted: 44
The rescue operation has reached 72 hours, as of 2:09 pm 9 May.
An update will be issued by 6 pm on Thursday, 9 May 2024, – South African Time.
On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries
Note: Medical Status of patients is not disclosed. The status given is as at recovery from the incident site.
Photo by: Herman Pieters, Garden Route District Municipality