Department of Labour-appointed Grayston Drive Pedestrian and cyclist structural bridge collapse Inquiry postpones sitting for lack of information
The Department of Labour-appointed Grayston Drive Pedestrian and cyclist structural bridge collapse Inquiry has postponed the second sitting that was due to be held next week (19-21 April) after failure by interested stakeholders in the inquiry to submit their reports on the incident.
According to the Inquiry’s Presiding Inspector, Lennie Samuel: “the postponement is due to the fact that the expert reports had not been circulated to all affected parties timeously, resulting in inadequate time to peruse and prepare appropriately”.
The Section 32 inquiry was set-up by the Department of Labour following the collapse on 14 October 2015 of the temporary bridge on the M1/Grayston Drive, which led to the deaths of two people and injury to 19 others. The Section 32 hearing was appointed by the Department in terms of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act to investigate instances of negligence.
“I am now in receipt of the expert reports from Formscaff and Murray & Roberts. Permission is granted for the circulation of the reports to all parties. This process must be concluded by close of business on the 13th April 2016.
“Investigation reports are still awaited from the JDA and Royal Haskoning DHV in terms of the General Administrative Regulations 9, as incorporated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993,” said the office of the Presiding Inspector.
The next sitting of the inquiry is set for 4 - 6 May 2016. The venue and the scheduling of witnesses will be confirmed soon.
RSVP:
Mishack Magakwe
Department of Labour Provincial Communication Officer (Gauteng Province)
Cell: 082 908 1828
Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Acting Departmental Spokesman
Cell: 082 808 2168
