The City of Cape Town says 260 structures were destroyed in the Joe Slovo informal settlement, after a fire ravaged through the Langa area on Saturday. The City says 767 individuals are affected.
The announcement comes after the Disaster Risk Management Centre
and Informal Settlements Management completed the registration process.
This number is lower than the initial estimates, which was
300 structures and 1 200 people.
‘’City services have been on the ground since just after
18:00 on Saturday evening – minutes after the Fire and Rescue Service was alerted
to the incident,’’ said Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, Eddie Andrews.
‘’It has been challenging, but I commend everyone who has
had a hand in extinguishing the fire and ensuring that no lives were lost, and
who have been on scene around the clock since, to provide support and relief to
the residents who have lost everything,’’ added Andrews.
The Deputy Mayor says the South African Social Security
Agency (SASSA) and Gift of the Givers will continue to provide humanitarian
assistance in the form of meals and sanitary packs, and the City’s Water and
Sanitation Department is delivering 10 chemical toilets to the site on Monday.
Andrews says the Solid Waste Department has not been able
to clear the fire debris yet, as some residents have started to rebuild their
structures.
‘’While emergency shelter was made available at a local
church hall, the demand has been very low, as most individuals prefer to stay
with friends or relatives.’’
‘’A faith-based organisation has offered school stationery
and clothing, to be delivered by the the end of the week, and a local church
has opened its doors to women and children during the day,’’ he added.
The municipality has made donation points available where
residents who have the means can donate blankets, non-perishable food, disposable
nappies, baby food, sanitary items and other materials.
Donations can be dropped off at:
·
The Urban Rural Development (083 521 0328),
City of Cape Town Housing Department, cnr. Langalibalele Drive and Lerotholi
Avenue, Langa
·
Mustadafin Foundation (076 422 1667), corner of
Heide and Antelope Court, Bridgetown.
‘’The City extends its gratitude to members of the public
who have heeded the call to assist Langa residents in their time of need. The
administration will continue to do everything within its power to help those
affected by this devastating incident to get back on their feet,’’ said Deputy
Mayor of Cape Town, Eddie Andrews.
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Done By: Mitchum George
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