KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has called on owners of multi-storey buildings across South Africa (SA) to ensure their structures are safe and certified by engineers, following the deadly collapse of a temple in Verulam, north of Durban.
Ntuli says the provincial government has begun engaging construction stakeholders on compliance, stressing the need for stricter adherence to building regulations.
The appeal follows Friday’s collapse of the River Range Temple, which authorities say has claimed at least five lives, with several others injured. Emergency services have not yet been able to confirm how many people may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Ntuli visited the scene on Saturday, where rescue and recovery operations are continuing.
Ntuli says while government has been working with various stakeholders for some time, early indications suggest the collapse was not linked to climate conditions.
“The platforms of working together, different spheres of government, started a long time ago, including Non-Governmental Organisations and institutions,” Ntuli said. “We have already had engagements in terms of the material that needs to be used, including material that is friendly to the changing climate.”
However, he added that climate change was unlikely to be the cause in this case.
“We are of the view that it was not caused by climate change, but it was just a disaster which might have been caused by some technicalities in terms of what was happening during the building,” Ntuli said.
Authorities say investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing, as rescue teams continue to assess the site.
–ChannelAfrica–
