The South African Project and Construction Management Professional Council (SACPCMP) has called for the appointment of a registered building inspector to be mandatory for all construction and infrastructure projects following a fatal building collapse in Johannesburg.
The appeal comes after a building under construction collapsed in Ormond, south of Johannesburg, on Monday, killing nine construction workers and injuring several others.
Safety concerns in the construction sector
The city council said in a statement on Wednesday that the tragic incident highlights the urgent need to ensure construction projects are supervised by appropriately registered professionals to maintain safety standards and regulatory compliance.
SACPCMP President Sharon Shunmugam said registered inspectors have the necessary experience and technical expertise to ensure construction projects meet national building codes and sustainability requirements.
“The only legal way to ensure that structures are being built correctly and procedurally is to appoint a registered building inspector to the project to monitor progress and highlight any risks or inconsistencies in building standards,” Shummugam said.
Violation found in preliminary investigation
Initial reports from investigators indicate multiple violations of building regulations and construction procedures at the site.
According to a media briefing by Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morello, the building reportedly did not have approved architectural plans, raising serious questions about regulatory compliance and oversight.
Mr Shunmugam said the council had repeatedly warned industry players about the risks of ignoring construction regulations and professional standards.
avoidable tragedy
The SACPCMP stressed that failure to comply with safety regulations can result in catastrophic failures, putting workers and the public at risk.
“Public safety is paramount. If the construction process does not comply with regulatory standards for safety and construction management, there is a high likelihood that structure failure or collapse may occur,” Shunnmugam said.
He stressed that it is essential to employ qualified and registered professionals throughout the construction process to ensure the project is carried out safely and meets the required quality standards.
call for stronger oversight
The council said the appointment of a registered building inspector could have caught the fraud earlier and prevented disaster.
“It is a travesty to once again witness the loss of life in an incident that could have been completely prevented if regulations had been followed properly,” Shunnmugam said.
He added that the SACPCMP stands ready to assist authorities in investigating the collapse and ensuring accountability.
Industry-wide impact
It is hoped that the council’s call will renew the debate on strict enforcement of building regulations and professional oversight in South Africa’s construction industry.
Authorities continue to investigate the Ormond building collapse amid growing concerns about industry safety compliance.
