Fire victims rebuild after delayed emergency kits finally arrives

Residents affected by the recent devastating shack fires in several Cape Town informal settlements have received emergency housing kits to help them rebuild.

Human Settlement Minister Thembi Simelane, her deputy Thandi Mahambehlala and deputy minister in the presidency Nonceba Mhlauli handed over the building material to displaced and affected residents.

According to City assessments, more than 500 structures were destroyed in informal settlements between December 14 and 24. Residents had sought accommodation in local churches, halls and relatives.

The handover of housing kits began in various areas, including Du Noon, Wag ‘n Bitjie in Nomzamo, and Masiphumelele.

Mahambehlala emphasised the need for caution, warning that alcohol consumption can lead to dangerous situations, especially in windy conditions that can exacerbate fires. She highlighted the importance of using new building materials to prevent health risks associated with rebuilding using damaged materials.

“These building kits will go to verified people. We also call for reblocking to avoid such large damages,” said Mahambehlala. She said illegal connections were the cause of fire in Strand.

DA Constituency head Nicholas Gotsell expressed concerns over the slow response from national departments, urging for the devolution of the Emergency Housing Grant to the Provincial Department of Infrastructure for quicker assistance to disaster victims. He noted that disaster management guidelines stipulate that victims should receive aid within 24 hours. While local NGOs and civil organisations have been active since the fires, the rebuilding process has been hindered by delays in delivering building materials.

Simelani stated this was their second visit, the first was on Friday to conduct assessments.

“We first want to express appreciation for your patience, since the incidents happened during public holidays there were some delays. Also the entire process of money flow and purchasing of materials at stores of which many were closed held things back a bit. However we were able to engage with them to ensure today materials are brought. We are also working with the City and local counsellors to ensure that everyone affected is assisted including those in Eastern Cape who will come back from holidays,” said Simelani

Meanwhile, two men are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday in connection with the fire reported around Platteklip Gorge at Table Mountain National Park.

Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk said a report was made on Sunday in relation to suspected arson at the tourist attraction site.

“The rangers rushed to the scene and arrested two men for possible involvement in the fire on Table Mountain. A criminal case was registered for the contravention of the National Environmental Management Act. The suspects will appear in Cape Town Magistrate Court on for the mentioned charges,” said Van Wyk.

The South African National Parks welcomed the arrest, adding that the fire was now largely contained though there were flare-ups during the night.

“Approximately nine hectares of land were burnt before containment.

Importantly, there have been no injuries or damage to property reported other than a firefighter who was airlifted Sunday. We are busy with crew rotation teams from SANParks, Provincial Disaster Management Centre, and Working on Fire that will be on the fire line for at least another 24 hours.

Aerial support is also on standby but has not been deployed today based on an assessment of the limited severity of the fire. The Aerial Cable Way is open, but we request the public to respect the closure of Platteklip Hiking Trail as there is still a risk of flare-ups with the prevailing wind from the North East,” it said.

City Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said after midday on Monday, they received numerous calls of mountain slopes alight above Kalk Bay and several crews responded to assist with property protection.

“Aerial support, in the form of two choppers and a spotter plane, was immediately dispatched taking into account several factors including accessibility, the fire is high up on the slopes, and the speed at which the fire is spreading. A third chopper has joined the water bombing at the head of the fire. A total of 72 City firefighters are on scene and are augmented by ground crews from TMNP and VWS,” said Carelse.

Cape Times