ST JAMES, Jamaica — Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, says the stop order against Royalton Hotel in Hanover has been lifted.

On May 10, the Hanover Parish Council issued a 30-day stop order on construction at the site, after a section of the building collapsed, injuring five workers.

The Ministry of Local Government then ordered a three-man team to review the circumstances leading to the incident.

“They can continue the work on the other parts of the property that have not been affected. No work will be allowed on the side that collapsed until the developers provide written assurance that they will comply with the building codes,” McKenzie said.

The minister, who was addressing members of the Negril Chamber of Commerce at the Couples Swept Away Hotel, following a meeting with Royalton, said the three-member committee that investigated the collapse recommended the lifting of the stop order on sections of the project found to be structurally sound.

McKenzie said the committee members found that all the structures, except the collapsed one, were sound, and there was no evidence to suggest that approvals were not given for the construction of the property.

“Based on the investigations, it was not just the Hanover Parish Council but also the developers who were at fault. Despite the fact that approvals were sought and approvals were given, the Council did a poor job of monitoring the project,” he added.

“Aspects of the business approval granted by the Parish Council were not adhered to. They worked outside the prescribed working hours and the quality of the equipment that was used in the construction did not meet the standard, and safety requirements were also serious breaches that will have to be addressed,” the minister said.

McKenzie said the committee also found that the Council needs to be strengthened in the technical department and should seek to employ two new building officers.

“They (Royalton) have to accept and give timelines as to how they will adhere to the recommendations of the committee,” the minister emphasised.