The George Municipality in the Western Cape says it has withdrawn an almost R10 million claim against the owners of the collapsed building property in Victoria Street for recovery costs.

This comes after news that the site will be auctioned later this month so that liquidators can recover their money from the owners.

Victims as well as members of the public have expressed disappointment in hearing that the property will likely be turned into apartments.

Thirty four people died when the building collapsed in May last year, with many suffering horrific injuries.

Municipal spokesperson Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe, “The municipality is aware that the company has been liquidated and for that reason the initial claim for recovery costs was withdrawn. Any outstanding municipal claims do not stop the auction from proceeding. Any new owner that buys the property will not be allowed to continue to use the previously approved plans. Those plans are no longer valid and must be resubmitted for formal approval by the municipality in line with the National Building Regulations.”