Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning, Thapelo Amad conducted a site inspection at a Boskruin property where a construction worker fell to his death on 15 February.

The construction worker died on the afternoon of 10 February following a structural collapse and fell onto a concrete slab while doing renovations to the private house. Amad said the man succumbed to his injuries and was confirmed dead on the scene, while two other construction workers who also fell sustained minor to moderate injuries and were taken to hospital. “According to the scope of work carried out on-site, the contractor was trying to replace the glass wall, which was deemed minor work.

Upon an investigation by the Building Development Management directorate, it was determined that the structural integrity of the building was indeed compromised by the renovations,” added Amad. He said the incident was unfortunate and not only highlighted the importance for members of the public to adhere to all building regulations but for the need for public education as well. “[Neither] the owner of the property, nor his contractor failed to submit a building plan application with the City for the alteration work, let alone consult with the building control officer.

We urge all homeowners to empower themselves on the building regulations and that they seek approval from the local authority which is required before any renovations or conversion projects are carried out.” The City stated that all kinds of building alterations, no matter minor or major, needed prior approval from the City, which was outlined in detail in the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act. These must be submitted by the homeowner and applications must be approved/refused by the City within 30 days as legislated. Some may be treated as minor works and there was a cost involved.

Building inspectors will and must conduct site inspections for all approved building plans to ensure compliance. “Whether the construction work carried out is structural or not, it is for the local authority and its building control officer to grant permission. “We urge all homeowners to ensure that they comply with all building regulations and other safety bylaws.” The Planning Law Enforcement Unit has initiated its processes and issued a contravention notice in this case, which also includes the remedial work needed to ensure the structural safety of the building.

Construction work will only be allowed to continue once the homeowner and contractor have followed due processes. A representative of the contractor informed Amad that the site was closed following the accident and that all the workers have been taken for trauma counselling. The department of development planning encouraged residents to report suspected contraventions, including zoning, illegal land use, additions, alterations, building developments, building signage and outdoor advertising to the Planning Law Enforcement Unit at complaintsple@joburg.org.za.

Regarding the use of informal builders for home alterations, the City encouraged homeowners to use contractors registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council for their building projects, and homeowners needed to verify if the contractor was registered with the council. Furthermore, illegal building work and illegal land use can be reported to local regional offices in all seven Joburg regions.