The George Municipality said the contractor is held liable for building projects.
About 34 people died as a result of the collapse of a building in May last year.
A joint sitting of Parliament’s Portfolio Committees on Human Settlements and Public Works and Infrastructure, earlier this month, criticised the George Municipality for what it described as “evasive and obstructive behaviour” during a meeting on progress into investigations of the collapsed building.
Carol Phiri, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, said committee members expressed frustration that the municipality failed to submit its investigation report, arrived accompanied by legal representatives and avoided direct responses to parliamentary questions.
“The committees expressed serious concern about the attitude of the George Local Municipality. The municipality didn’t send their investigation report, attended the meeting accompanied by legal representatives and were evasive when probed by members of the committee.”
The Municipality responded to local politician-Chantelle Kyd’s accusation, on Friday, that it delayed action relating to the review or adjustment of internal processes.
The Municipality said it rejects the assertion and has improved operational internal controls.
It also said workflow was reviewed and that no material errors were identified on the Municipality’s side.
The Municipality also said the primary responsibility for any building project rests with the owner.
“In terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977, accountability is shared between the owner and their appointed professionals. Owners must submit approved plans, appoint competent and professionally registered persons, ensure compliance with the National Building Regulations (NBR), and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before a building may be used.”
In addition, “the Municipality cannot exercise oversight over functions assigned to other organs of state, such as those regulated under the NHBRC and labour legislation.”
Picture: Supplied