Urgent relief for Joe Slovo fire victims

By Anele Siwa
05 February 2008

Government is urgently erecting temporary accommodation units in Lower Crossroads to provide shelter for the victims of fire at Joe Slovo informal settlement.

“The Western Cape Department of Social Development has instituted a raft of urgent relief measures meant particularly at servicing the needs of the most vulnerable in our society including young and old,” says Vusi Tshose spokesperson of MEC for Housing and Local government.

According to Tshose relief measures contain the provision of formula to mothers with babies, food, blankets, school uniforms and books.

“Urgent steps have been taken to register people who lost their Identity documents so that they can carry on to access social services,” he added.

This is after a ravage fire left a hundred Joe Slovo residents destitute on Sunday evening.

In an exclusive interview with Bush Radio Western Cape Anti-Eviction’s Mzonke Poni says some people are still sleeping outside because they do not want to be accommodated in a community hall as there is no privacy.

“Most people who are affected by fire are unemployed and that makes it difficult for them to start rebuilding their shacks,” says Poni.

“Thubelisha, project developer of the N2 Gateway, took immediate steps on Sunday to call in contractors to erect additional Temporary Relocation Units,” says Dyantyi.

MEC Dyantyi has appealed to broader Capetonians to help fire victims by giving warm clothes, school uniforms and books.

Those wishing to assist can call Duncan Thomas on 083 634 7629