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Author: Debra Sauer

MEDIA STATEMENT: 6am Update on Building Collapse Site

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 12 May 2024, 06:00

Rescue and recovery efforts continue into the sixth day at the site of the collapsed building at 75 Victoria Street. This morning at 02:30 another body was recovered, bringing the total number of deceased to 15. As of 06:00 on May 12, 2024, marking the 135th hour of operations, the confirmed statistics are as follows:

– Total individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 44
– of which 15 deceased
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 37

The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

The National Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele, is scheduled to visit the site later this morning for an official briefing.

We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

An update will be issued by 9 AM on Sunday, 12 May 2024.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 9pm Update on Building Collapse Site

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, 21:00

With the rescue workers continuing with rescue and recovery efforts, an update of confirmed statistics as operations enters the 127th hour at 21:00 on 11 May 2024 as follow:

Confirmed Statistics:
– Total individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued: 43
– Deceased: 14
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 38

The Joint District Operations Centre follows a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of reported numbers, working in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

We are pleased to announce that Mr Guambe is recovering well and will be reunited with his family by Monday, 13 May 2024.

In our ongoing efforts to assist survivors and their families, we urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

An update will be issued by 6am on Sunday 12 May 2023.

MEDIA STATEMENT Special Update on Building Collapse Site – Survivor speaks

MEDIA STATEMENT Special Update on Building Collapse Site

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC George Municipality, 11 May 2024, at 19:30

 

The 32-year-old Mr. Gabriel Guambea, a survivor who was trapped under the rubble, wants to express his gratitude to all the rescue personnel for their relentless efforts. He shares an inspiring message with the teams onsite, encouraging them to continue their dedication and hard work during the challenging task of searching for those still unaccounted for. Mr. Guambe is recovering well in the hospital, having remarkably sustained only minor injuries. He is doing extremely well, especially considering he went 118 hours without food or water. He recently had his first meal in the hospital and is in good spirits.

MEDIA STATEMENT: Special Update on Building Collapse Site

MEDIA STATEMENT: Special Update on Building Collapse Site
Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, 18:00

As rescue operations enters the 124th hour at 18:00 on 11 May 2024, rescue efforts intensifies with renewed vigor at the collapsed building site, 75 Victoria Street. This is attributed to the successful rescue of Mr Gabriel Guambe earlier today.

Mr. Guambe is currently hospitalised in a stable condition and has been in communication with his family.

Confirmed Statistics:
– Total individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued: 42
– Deceased: 13
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 39

The Joint District Operations Centre follows a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of reported numbers, working in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

In our ongoing efforts to assist survivors and their families, we urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

A media briefing with two of the rescue personnel who located Mr. Guambe will be held at 18:30. Further updates will be provided by 21:00 on 11 May 2024, South African Time.
Photograph: Herman Pieters, Garden Route Municipality

MEDIA STATEMENT: Special update – Building Collapse Site Issued by Garden Route District Joc/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, 16:00

MEDIA STATEMENT: Special update – Building Collapse Site
Issued by Garden Route District Joc/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, 16:00

Please be advised that trucks transporting building rubble will be crossing from Victoria Street to York Street. We request that no other trucks use York Street until further notice. Traffic officials will be on point duty to enforce this rule. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 15:00 Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

MEDIA STATEMENT: 15:00 Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George
Issued Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, @ 3pm

We are halfway through day five of rescue operations at the collapsed building site on 75 Victoria Street and grateful to have extricated another survivor. This is a result of the decision taken by the multi-agency command to continue employing a systematic rescue and recovery approach. The operation has spanned 121 hours as at 15:00 11 May 2024.

This rescue brings new hope and teams have found new energy to continue with rescue and recovery operations. The survivor was extricated cautiously and transported to the hospital after being stabilized by the onsite medical team.

Confirmed statistics:
– Total estimated individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Patients rescued: 42
– Patients deceased: 13
– Patients currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 39

The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a rigorous double verification protocol in reporting rescue and recovery numbers, collaborating closely with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

In our ongoing efforts to support survivors and families, we issue a call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages. Practitioners can reach out to Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.

Donations
There is currently a need for following safety equipment:
helmets,
safety goggles,
headlamps, and
construction gloves.
These items can be delivered to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

We thank Love George, Gift of the Givers and George Alert Team for coordinating the donations with the support of Lions Club, Rotary, a number of small and big businesses, neighbourhood watches, faithbased organisations and members of the general public.

Further updates will be provided by 18:00 pm, 11 May 2024, South African Time.

Photo Credit: Herman Pieters, Garden Route Municipality

Media Release: Premier provides update on emergency and disaster management operation at site of collapsed building in George

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF THE WESTERN CAPE PREMIER
10 May 2024

Premier Alan Winde provided an update today, 10 May, on the ongoing multi-agency operation at the site of the collapsed building in George.

Early this morning, Premier Winde again assessed the site and was given a briefing by relevant authorities on the progress made so far.

Premier Winde attended a regular Joint Operational Centre meeting, where multiple stakeholders, including several Western Cape Government (WCG) ministers, municipal representatives and emergency and disaster management authorities, fed in input to ensure the overall response remains fully coordinated throughout.
The Premier reiterated, “This is an incredibly complex and delicate operation. Despite this, our highly experienced emergency and disaster management crews have been working flat-out to find the workers who are still trapped. If need be, we will further intensify our efforts.

Since the incident, nearly 700 emergency and disaster management officials and volunteers have been working tirelessly on the site. “You are true heroes and we are immensely grateful for all you are doing in this very difficult time,” reiterated the Premier. He added, “That is what I admire the most about our Western Cape residents; when incidents of this nature occur, everyone comes together and steps up. You are all extraordinary.”

Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning stated, “We are currently using large construction machines to remove as rubble as fast as we can. We are working towards hard-to-reach locations and this takes time. Teams are working very carefully and methodically. I must stress this is a search and rescue operation with a recovery component.”

The Head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), Colin Deiner emphasised the operation remains in the search and rescue phase, with heavy machinery brought in to excavate the site.
It was emphasised that the operation will carry on in a coordinated manner for as long as it takes until every single person is accounted for. “All role players are working together in a professional manner, with the victims and their

families the top priority of our efforts,” the Premier continued.
Premier Winde concluded that the multiple investigations undertaken by various agencies will be thorough.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 12pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Day four of the rescue response to the collapsed building located at 75 Victoria Street has the multi-agency command using demolition equipment to lift the concrete slabs currently obstructing access to the lower floors of the building site. The meticulous and skilled rescue response to date, which has allowed for the recovery of 37 persons of the 81 trapped workers has had to proceed carefully to avoid further collapse and injury.

The stability of the site is a threat to the safety of emergency personnel who have focused their efforts for the past 90 hours on rescue of as many trapped patients as is possible. The decision to switch to using heavy duty demolition equipment is not taken lightly. The demolition company has created a safe path to drive on over the site, filling in voids that have been thoroughly checked for any entrapped victims. Rescue techniques continue to be applied meticulously and sensitively at each phase.

Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 37
Patients deceased: 9
Patients hospitalised: 33 with 13 still in hospital
Unaccounted: 44

Disaster management would also like to advise that currently there are enough volunteers on-site with names captured on a waiting list. The volunteer and donation response from the George community has been overwhelming and is commended and appreciated. We ask that the public please does not respond to any requests for volunteers on social media unless such notice is formally issued by the GRDM JOC and/or George Municipality,.

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has declared the incident site at Victoria Street a No-Fly Zone. This restriction will be strictly enforced, and any individuals found violating it will be subject to criminal prosecution.

An update will be issued by 3pm on Friday 10 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Serious
Green: Minor

Public Notice: Update on generators installed at Waste Water Treatment facilities

All the generators listed below were installed, tested and commissioned successfully except the generators for the Outeniqua Waste Water Treatment Facility.  The 650kva and 1000kva Generators at Outeniqua Waste Water Treatment Facility were delivered to the site in April 2024 and are under installation. The contractors are in the process of casting concrete plinths and installation of cabling from the generator positions to the motor control centres.  The project is scheduled for completion before the end of June 2024.

OVERALL PROGRESS TO DATE

Procurement Phase: 

Appointment of Consultant ( Complete ) – 100%

Appointment of Contractor: Haarlem WTW ( Complete ) – 100%

Uniondale WTW ( Complete ) – 100%

Uniondale WWTW ( Complete ) – 100%

Kleinkrantz WWTW ( Complete ) – 100%

Outeniqua WWTW ( In Progress ) – 100%

 

Construction Phase:

Haarlem WTW ( ± 150 kVA diesel generator ) – 100%

Uniondale WTW ( ± 200 kVA diesel generator ) – 100%

Uniondale WWTW ( ± 200 kVA diesel generator ) – 100%

Kleinkrantz WWTW ( ± 300 kVA diesel generator ) – 100%

Outeniqua WWTW ( ± 1 000 kVA + 650 kVA diesel generator ) – 75%

MEDIA STATEMENT: 6:00 pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipality, 9 May 2024, @ 7:50 pm

George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 6:00 pm 9 May.

Big earth-moving machinery is expected to arrive this evening to assist in the rescue and clearing efforts. The machinery includes two five (5) ton excavators, three (3) 20-ton excavators with hammers and buckets, and a three (3) cube front-end loader, as well as trucks for extraction and clearing. The rescue operation continues to be a multi-agency approach, involving local excavation contractors and the District Roads Engineer.

Despite the introduction of large machinery, rescue techniques will still be applied meticulously and sensitively by the highly skilled and experienced disaster management team.

Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk expressed his appreciation for the exemplary work done by the multi-disciplinary emergency teams so far. He commended rescue workers and all involved stakeholders, organisations, the media, and the public stating that their efforts, along with the state-of-the-art equipment brought in, have resulted in a world-class rescue effort.

Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 37
Patients blue: 8 (deceased)
Patients red status on recovery from site: 16 (critical)
Patients yellow status on recovery from site: 6 (life-threatening injuries)
Patients green status on recovery from site: 7 (minor injuries)
Unaccounted: 44

The rescue operation has reached 75 hours, as of 6:00 pm 9 May.

An update will be issued by 9 pm on Thursday, 9 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Note: Medical Status of patients is not disclosed. The status given is as at recovery from the incident site.

Photo by: Garden Route District Municipality

Planned power outage: portion of Pacaltsdorp

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF PACALTSDORP

BEACH RD, CHURCH RD, MISSION RD

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on SATURDAY 11 MAY 2024 FROM 08H30 TO 16H30 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on SATURDAY 18 MAY 2024 FROM 08H30 TO 16H30.

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN OF PACALTSDORP

BEACH WEG, CHURCH WEG, MISSION WEG

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op SATERDAG 11 MEI 2024 VANAF 08H30 TOT 16H30 met die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak. Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op SATERDAG 18 MEI 2024 VANAF 08H30 TOT 16H30.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 12pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipality, 9 May 2024, @ 12pm

GRDM JOC requests that members of the public avoid the surrounds of the incident site at Victoria Street due to the constant movement of heavy vehicles that are assisting with the removal of building rubble. A total of 3000 cubic tonnes of concrete must be removed from the site in the ongoing rescue response.

Total Number on site at time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 37
Patients blue: 8 (deceased)
Patients red status on recovery from site: 16 (critical)
Patients yellow status on recovery from site: 6 (life-threatening injuries)
Patients green status on recovery from site: 7 (minor injuries)
Unaccounted: 44

The rescue operation has reached 70 hours, as of 12pm 9 May.

An update will be issued by 3pm on Thursday, 9 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Note: Medical Status of patients is not disclosed. The status given is as at recovery from the incident site.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 9am Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipality, 9 May 2024, @ 9am

Rescue operations continue at the Victoria Street Building Collapse and the emergency response team continues to utilize more substantive concrete breakers and additional trucks to remove building rubble from the site.

Total Number on site at time of incident:
81

Patients retrieved:
37

Patients blue:
8 (deceased)

Patients red status on recovery from site: 16 (critical)

Patients yellow status on recovery from site: 6 (life-threatening injuries)

Patients green status on recovery from site: 7 (minor injuries)

Unaccounted: 44

The rescue operation is approaching 67 hours, 9 May.

An update will be issued by 12pm on Thursday, 9 May 2024, – South African Time.

On site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Note: Medical Status of patients is not disclosed. The status given is as at recovery from the incident site.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 12pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 12pm 8 May:

36 patients retrieved;

7 are blue (Deceased);

16 are red patients (Critical);

6 are yellow patients (Life-threatening injuries)

7 are green (minor injuries).

A total of 39 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

A specialised asbestos removal company is currently tasked with deconstructing the old parking structure located at the back of the site. This structure is not a part of the new development that was under construction. This is to aid access for rescue operations which continue at the building collapse site on Victoria Street.

The rescue operation is now approaching  46 hours as of 12:00 this afternoon, 8 May.

An update will be issued by 3pm  on Wednesday 8 May 2024,  – South African Time.

On site Triage Description:

Blue:      Deceased

Red:       Critical

Yellow: Life-threatening injuries

Green: Minor injuries

Photograph Credit Herman Pieters, GRDM Communications

Planned power outage: portion of Heatherlands

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF HEATHERLANDS
HILLWOOD RD, PLOVER RD AND MEADOW RD
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on WEDNESDAY 08 MAY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.
Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN OF HEATHERLANDS
HILLWOOD WEG, PLOVER WEG EN MEADOW WEG
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op WOENSDAG 08 MEI 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30 met die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak. Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.
Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op WOENSDAG 15 MEI 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

Cancelled – Planned power outage: portion of Blanco

PLEASE TAKE NOTE THE BELOW PLANNED POWER OUTAGE IN A PORTION OF BLANCO HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

 

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF BLANCO
MONTAGU STREET

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 10 MAY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on FRIDAY 17 MAY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.

 

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN OF BLANCO
MONTAGU STRAAT

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 10 MEI 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30 met die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak. Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op VRYDAG 17 MEI 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.