The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) is pushing for the compulsory appointment of registered building inspectors across all construction and infrastructure developments. This demand comes in the wake of a fatal building collapse in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, on Monday that claimed the lives of nine construction workers and left several others injured.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the council stressed that the tragedy highlights the critical need for properly credentialed professionals to protect public welfare and enforce adherence to national building standards. SACPCMP President Sharon Shunmugam noted that registered practitioners bring the requisite expertise and competence to ensure projects meet the benchmarks necessary for structural safety and long-term durability.
"The only lawful way to assure that structures are erected in alignment with the correct and procedural building practices is to appoint registered building inspectors on projects to monitor progress and highlight risk or misalignment in building standards," Shunmugam said.
Initial findings from investigators have uncovered numerous violations of building regulations and established procedures. It has also emerged that no approved building plans existed for the structure, as confirmed during media briefings this week by Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero.
Shunmugam said the council has repeatedly cautioned both industry role-players and the broader public regarding the dangers posed by non-compliance with construction regulations. "The safety of the public is a priority. Where construction and related processes fail to adhere to the regulated standards of safety and construction management, the breakdown or collapse of structures is a likely eventuality," Shunmugam said.
She further stressed that engaging suitably qualified professionals within the construction sector remains vital to upholding standards and delivering the highest quality outcomes in the built environment. The SACPCMP president expressed deep sadness and serious concern that the industry continues to experience incidents where fundamental legal construction requirements are disregarded, resulting in the loss of life.
