Premier Alan Winde has thanked citizens, who have been assisting, with the rescue and emergency response, following the collapsing of a building in George in the Southern Cape on Monday afternoon. His gratitude goes to the first responders, who since Monday, have been working tirelessly at the scene, to save the lives of trapped construction workers.
Premier Thanks Citizens
Residents have also turned out in their numbers, to help. The Premier earlier this week toured the site of the tragedy.
“You all make me as your Premier of this extraordinary province humble and grateful for everything you have done and are still doing,” he said.
Meanwhile, rescue operations at the site of the building that collapsed on Victoria Street are continuing, with over 200 emergency services staff on the scene.
He continued, “We must not give up hope.”
The members of the multi-disciplinary rescue teams have been sourced from across the Western Cape.
There was also a report this morning, that teams will also be coming from Gauteng to assist.
Rescue operations continue
At this stage, the death toll stands at 7. Twenty-nine (29) people have so far been taken from beneath the rubble and transported to hospital. Thirty-nine (39) others remain missing.
“I cannot express the emotions I felt yesterday when the site would suddenly go completely quiet in the hope that our teams might be close to locating another survivor,” he said.
The Premier said rescue staff are working around the clock to find those 39 individuals, who are still unaccounted for.
A few arduous days lie ahead
Winde says the Western Cape Government (WCG) has made resources available for the emergency operations.
The Premier has also lauded efforts by volunteers and NGOs, that have offered support to the families of the affected construction workers.
He says the heart and soul of these people have been extraordinary. Winde says a few arduous days lie ahead as search and rescue efforts continue.
The Premier elaborated that the government would do everything to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Some of the Thank You’s go out to:
LoveGeorge
Gift of the Givers
SARZA
the Lions of George
Garden Route Food Pantry
“To all the emergency personnel assisting: you are true heroes,” Winde added.
Food Sock Meals
Neighbourhood Watches
Community Policing Forums and
Individual residents.
The Premier says Western Cape residents have always stepped up, upon being confronted with incidents of this nature.
“I cannot thank you all enough,” he added.
The Province’s leader has also asked the members of the public to allow emergency services officials the space to carry out their duties.
The Premier concluded, “My heart goes out to the families of the deceased. I share your pain.”
READ MORE: Rescue operation continues in George
