Another boy drowns at Hammanskraal construction trench
This is the fourth boy to drown at a construction site in just two days. On Saturday three boys drowned at another construction site.
Another boy has drowned in a trench at a construction site in Hammanskraal on Monday afternoon.
The boy, along with another, were sent out to do shopping and while running to do this task they fell into a trench which had been dug at a construction site in Extension 10.
Tshwane mayor Randal Williams said the hole was dug by an external contractor working on a housing project for the metro.
“Tragically, one of the young boys drowned while the other was rescued and raced to hospital,” Williams said.
Williams said upon arrival at the scene it was discovered that the site had not be adequately secured, nor were there any barriers in place.
This was the fourth boy to drown in a trench in Hammanskraal in just two days.
On Saturday, the bodies of three boys who drowned were recovered from a storm-water trench under construction in the area.
The metro said both contractors would be held accountable for failing to adequately secure the construction sites.
“I have given immediate instruction that legal action must be pursued against the contractor,” he said.
“I consider this to be negligence on the contractor’s part as it is clear the contractor did not take the necessary precautions to ensure that there was adequate access control to the site.”
The ward councillor, community liaison officer and site managers have been called in by the mayor to explain their responsibilities in relation to the incident.
“These individuals should have direct oversight over these projects on a continuous basis and they are the first line of contact on such matters with the local community,” Williams said.
Williams said he would be meeting with the families and representatives of the young boys who lost their lives on Saturday.
“I will also be prioritising an engagement with the family of the young boy that passed away today. Our deepest condolences and sympathies are also with the affected families who experienced this tragic loss today.”
“Words cannot convey the sadness and grief which they must be feeling at the loss of this young boy.”