Cape town mayor states MASIPHUMELELE to be cleared for a rebuild.

 

The City of Cape Town is expected to help provide for those who lost their possessions in the Masiphumele fire.

The fire took place Thursday night, more than 1,000 homes were destroyed although none was injured no killed. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. However Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato has set in motion the process to declare Masiphumelele a local disaster area after a massive fire raged through part of the informal settlement on Thursday.

Eight fire-fighting appliances as well as helicopters were deployed to combat the fire after a call was received at around 4.13pm. The helicopters were grounded in the late afternoon due to strong winds.

According to the City, it is no longer able to provide fire and flood kits to residents outside of declared disasters. 

Plato on Friday signed the papers necessary to the provincial government to gazette it, which would free up resources to help thousands of residents who lost everything.

Surrounding communities have rallied round to help replace some of what was lost and delivered foodstuffs, clothes, and household goods to local church group. Those that could help in the mean time have extended a hand in hopes that this won’t ruin the mood for the festive season.

 

By: Everngelista Muza