MEC Dikgang Uhuru Moiloa sends message of symphaty to families of three children who died during the collapse of an illegally occupied building
The MEC for Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, MEC Dikgang Uhuru Moiloa, has sent his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of three children (aged 3, 5 and 10) whose bodies were found following the collapse of a debilitated building, illegally occupied by about 100 families at the time.
Members of EMS Urban Search and Rescue services were called out to the scene after the collapse of the structure in Doornfontein , Johannesburg this afternoon. It was established that the building was illegally occupied and not suitable for human habitation. After the bodies of the children were removed, Urban Search and Rescue Services, together with other emergency workers, put measures in place to have all the illegal occupants removed and the rest of the dangerous structure demolished in anticipation of further collapses.
“It is not only sad and tragic that yet another set of children had to die under such horrific circumstances as a clear reminder of the social ills of illegal occupation,” Said MEC Moiloa.
The MEC also warned strongly against the occupation of abandoned structures and the exploitation by greedy slumlords who take advantage of vulnerable families. “Not only is this practice extremely dangerous, but also criminal,” said MEC Moiloa
Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to secure alternative accommodation for the current occupants. The entire building remains in an unstable condition and poses several safety risks due to the heavy rains, the illegal water and electrical connections and the overall structural state of the building
MEC Moiloa made a renewed call on property owners to private buildings to be responsible and to work with authorities in order to prevent the illegal occupation of these buildings. The MEC has requested the Disaster Management Centre to mobilize the building control authorities to further the investigation into the cause of the collapse.
Enquiries:
Keith Khoza
Cell: 0828239672
E-mail: keith.khoza@gauteng.gov.za
