Tongaat mall structural collapse inquiry enters last stretch
The Tongaat Mall Structural Collapse Inquiry hopes to wrap-up its work by the end of the first quarter next year.
Speaking during a wreath laying ceremony in remembrance of two workers who died and 29 injured last November 19 when the Mall collapsed, Commission's Presiding Officer, Phumudzo Maphaha said the journey so far has been tough. Maphaha said it had been a journey of interesting engagement for the Commission, which has seen more than 15 witnesses taking a stand before the Commission.
"We have spent countless days combing the site and invested a lot to find the real cause of the collapse of the Mall. What we are doing as a Commission has not been in vain.
"We have learnt a lot and want to prevent a repeat of this tragedy happening in future. This is not a blame session. We also need to remember that the law still need to take its course. I am satisfied with the progress made to date. We will be coming to a conclusion soon," Maphaha said.
The Commission took a break this morning to lay wreath on the site of the structural collapse of the Mall where Zakithi Beneth Nxumalo and Zwelibanzi Masuku lost their lives.
In a message delivered on behalf of Jay Singh, the owner of Gralio Construction, the company behind the construction of the doomed Mall, he said the Mall was destined to change the landscape of Tongaat. Singh said he would wait for the day of truth to reckon before he breaks his silence.
The Commission started its evidence gathering session on 11 February 2014.
Maphaha said the work of the Commission was not in vain. He said its outcome would go a long way to help the construction industry, the department and other interested stakeholders on how to do things.
The Tongaat Mall Structural Inquiry is to sit on 4 to 5 December. The project engineer, Andre Ballack is expected to testify. Singh is expected to testify next year.
Maphaha said the Commission had gathered 90 percent of evidence. He said data collated will help institution of learning and the engineering profession to learn from the experience.
For more information contac:t
Nhlanhla X Khumalo, KZN Provincial Spokesman
Tel: 031 366 2018
Cell: 074 589 9682
E-mail: nhlanhlax.khumalo@labour.gov.za
