Opposition Parties Slam George Municipality For Dropping R10 Million Claim After Building Collapse

The George Municipality is facing backlash after it withdrew a R10 million recovery claim against Neo Victoria Developments the company behind last year’s fatal building collapse that claimed 34 lives.

Tragedy Remembered

The four-storey building at 75 Victoria Street collapsed on May 6, 2024, trapping construction workers beneath the rubble and sending shockwaves through the Western Cape. The incident was one of the deadliest workplace disasters in recent South African history, prompting investigations into safety compliance and municipal oversight.

This week, the DA-led George Municipality announced it would no longer pursue its claim against the developer, citing the company’s liquidation. The municipality said the decision was made because the financial institution that held the bond on the property was a preferred creditor, leaving no guarantee that any municipal debt could be recovered.

In a statement, officials explained that proceeding with legal action “would be irresponsible, fruitless, and wasteful” since there was no realistic prospect of reclaiming funds through the liquidation process.

Political Outrage Over “Insensitive” Decision

The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and community members who believe the municipality’s reasoning shows disregard for the victims and their families.

The ANC in the Western Cape condemned the withdrawal as “insensitive and downright irresponsible,” accusing the DA of protecting its developer allies instead of standing up for justice.

“The DA has a parasitic relationship with private property developers,” the party said. “Had proper processes been followed, and municipal checks and balances applied, this tragedy might never have happened.”

The ANC further alleged that the DA’s decision to drop the claim was a “cheap way out” to shield those who funded and benefited from the development.

GOOD Party Calls For Accountability And Remembrance

GOOD Party councillor Chantelle Kyd echoed the outrage, arguing that legal costs should never outweigh justice especially when lives were lost.

“The municipality could have engaged the liquidator to expropriate the property in the public interest,” said Kyd. “That land could have served as a memorial for the victims. Instead, it’s being auctioned off with no accountability and no recovery for taxpayers.”

A Town Still Searching For Closure

The George collapse remains an open wound for many residents. Families of the victims have called for stronger safety laws and accountability from both local authorities and developers. As the property heads for auction, the question of justice financial and moral continues to hang over the town.

For now, the rubble may be cleared, but the scars of what happened at 75 Victoria Street are far from healed.

{Source:IOL}

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