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The DA Caucus in Johannesburg is deeply concerned about seeming lack of involvement of crucial departments in trying to get to the bottom of the blast.

We note that the Premier, speaking on behalf of the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg seems to be focused on the cause of the explosion, while important, we have not heard a clear disaster Management plan and what the inspections will include.

Whilst relying on the Joint Operations Committee, the buildings all along Lilian Ngoyi Street need to be inspected for structural integrity by the Development Planning Building Inspectors. Inspections on the buildings along this road need to form part of the integrated response to avoid building collapse which could potentially lead to more injuries and possible loss of lives.

In the meantime, the DA Shadow MMC of Development Planning, Cllr Daniel Schay will also visit the area today, being an engineer to also see for himself.

It is for this reason that I wrote to the MMC of Development Cllr Eunice Mgcina to request that the Building Control department in Development Planning do inspections to check the structural integrity of the building which are largely overcrowded.

The DA will continue to fight for all residents of Johannesburg, follow up on recommendations and questions asked to the Executive to ensure that the Executive Mayor and his MMC’s are held accountable and service all residents with an appropriate response to avoid loss of life.

Issued by Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku - DA Caucus Leader: Johannesburg