Author: Debra Sauer
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.
Public Notice: Gate at Victoria Street to the George Municipality Main Building closed
The public should note that the George Municipality Main Building is having its windows on the west side washed today between 15:00 and 18:00 on Friday 3 May 2024. Public to take note that the vehicle entrance from Victoria Street to the Main Building will be closed during the mentioned timeframe. Please use the entrance/exit at Progess Street.
Garden Route Dam Level- 3 May 2024
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 99,20 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 7 mm (Measured rainfall figures from 23 April until 29 April 2024)
For water-saving tips please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.
Unplanned power outage in Bos en dal, Groeneweide and George Airport
Electricians are busy investigating the cause. Estimated time of repair will be communicated once the fault is located.
Urgent Public Notice: PUBLIC BE CAUTIOUS WITH FIRES IN THE WINDY WEATHER
Due to the hot and windy conditions experienced in George and surrounds today, we want to warn the public to be cautious in making fires and discarding cigarettes or matches.
No controlled burns are allowed. Any fires or emergency incidents should be immediately reported to the Fire Department:
Fire Only Emergency Number: 044 801 6311
Emergency Number: 044 801 6300
TOLL-FREE Disaster Number (24/7): 087 152 9999
Planned power outage: portion of Heatherlands
NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF HEATHERLANDS
ARBOUR RD AND MYRTLE RD
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on MONDAY 06 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 MONDAY 13 MAY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN OF HEATHERLANDS
ARBOUR WEG EN MYRTLE WEG
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op MAANDAG 06 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 MAANDAG 13 MEI 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.
Planned power outages: portion of Dormehls Drift (Sunday, May 5th, 2024)
Planned power outage: portion of Dormehls Drift
Planned power outage: portion of Heather Park
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN HEATHER PARK
EIKE LAAN.
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 03 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 10 MEI 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.