Makhura slams delays in probe into bridge collapse
Grayston inquiry still on two years later
Gauteng premier David Makhura has condemned the delay in the inquiry into the collapse of the Grayston Bridge in Sandton.
Two people were killed and 19 others injured when the bridge on the M1 Highway and Grayston interchange collapsed on October 14 2015.
An inquiry into the cause of the collapse was set up by the Department of Labour. Murray and Roberts Infrastructure was the principal contractor appointed by the Johannesburg Development Agency to build the bridge.
The first sitting of the inquiry took place on July 7 2016. However‚ Makhura said progress had been slow‚ causing consternation among those affected and public concern regarding accountability. The inquiry has been postponed several times.
“On Thursday October 5‚ officials of the Johannesburg Roads Agency briefed me and the executive mayor about yet another postponement of the inquiry to July 2018. I expressed my complete dissatisfaction with this delay which is at the expense of the victims and affected families‚” Makhura said.
He said it was “completely unacceptable” that two years after the incident‚ which resulted in deaths and injuries‚ there were still no answers and accountability.
Affected families had also complained bitterly about the delay‚ he said. On Thursday, Makhura visited Irvin Katangane‚ 23, and Bryce Carlinsky 21‚ who were among survivors.