JOHANNESBURG – Serious construction failures are at the centre of the deadly Verulam temple collapse.
This was revealed by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson on Wednesday.
While presenting the preliminary outcomes of the collapse investigation, Macpherson revealed that the site has now been declared as a crime scene.
READ| Verulam temple collapse site declared a crime scene
Investigations have revealed that the building collapsed while concrete was being poured.
Evidence from video footage points to a sudden structural failure, most likely triggered by the collapse of temporary wet concrete molds.
There are also concerns about the quality of building materials used and poor craftmanship, including misaligned structural elements.
It has also come to light that there were no approved building plans, no construction permits issued, and the building may have been occupied prior to the issuance of an occupational certificate.
All of this, Macpherson says, points to serious contraventions of the National Building Regulations and Standards.
Authorities are now working to track down the materials supplier and builder to avoid a repeat of this tragedy elsewhere.