The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) is concerned over an incident in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, 9 June 2020, where the collapsed section of a building resulted in one death and at least five people being injured. While details regarding the incident are still under investigation by the relevant authorities, reports noted that the death and injuries were as a result of a collapsed overhanging veranda on a building situated at the corner of Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street and Goonam Street in Durban. In response to the incident, the SACPCMP highlighted the need for continual attention to the highest standards of construction and safety. “Any discrepancies in the standards of construction health and safety can place the public at risk. And while these discrepancies may not always be immediately visible, construction and safety practices that leave a margin for error can come back to haunt us in the worst way,” said SACPCMP Registrar, Mr. Butcher Matutle. “In this instance, not only were a number of people injured, but a person has lost their life.” “The SACPCMP understands that further investigation of this is still required, however, the appropriate measures must be put in place to prevent such accidents. It is important that clients and registered professionals appointed on construction projects be held accountable for substandard issues in the Project, Construction Management and Construction Health and Safety industries.” Matutle urged all registered professionals to exercise their duties diligently in ensuring the utmost of safety standards within their working environments, adding that anything less could have dire results. “The loss of life and injuries sustained while on duty can be fully avoided when we take the time and cognisance to adhere to the professional laws and guidelines that are in place to protect us all,” Matutle concluded.
