Builders urged to comply with safety regulations

© Halfpoint – za.fotolia.com

President Zuma's comments on Wednesday, 20 August, follow the deaths of seven people after a house collapsed in Alberton, south-east of Johannesburg, on Monday.

"I have learned with sadness of this horrific loss of so many lives and I wish to convey, on behalf of government and all people of South Africa, our heartfelt condolences to families, friends and relatives of the victims. We also wish all those who were injured during this tragic incident a speedy recovery," said President Zuma.

The incident happenedd at the Meyersdal Eco Estate in Alberton.

The President said that a government team of inspectors and engineers have been sent to the site of the collapsed house to investigate the cause of the accident and whether the project falls within the ambit of the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act (Act No. 95 of 1998).

Earlier this week, Gauteng MEC for Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo has also extended his condolences to the families.

Media reports say a big slab of concrete on the upper level of the house, which was under construction at an upmarket estate, collapsed, causing the ground floor structure to give in under its weight.

MEC Mamabolo has also wished two hospitalised people, who were injured in the incident, a speedy recovery.