An estimated 60 shacks destroyed in fire

An estimated 60 shacks were destroyed in a fire in the early hours of Monday morning at Denver informal settlement.

“I first learnt of the fire from residents at Denver on Monday morning. When I informed the ward 118 councillor, Clr Neuren Pietersen, he denied a fire had taken place and appeared to think I was joking. I was totally taken aback by his reaction,” said ANC PR Clr Alison Roberts.

“To date I have received three car-loads of donations which are desperately needed and very much appreciated. Should anyone have anything further to donate, they are welcome to contact me on 071 876 5029 or claireme44@gmail.com,” said Clr Roberts.

Ward 118 councillor, Clr Neuren Pietersen said, “We are unable to assist at this time. We could not assist the people of Denver because the City of Joburg (CoJ) does not have the set-up starter kit for such situations and that makes it difficult to assist after such an incident. Since CoJ is under the DA wing we will have proper systems in place to assist in such incidents in six months’ time. People need to give us time.”

Mthoko Manyoni, a resident from Denver, said he received no joy from council.

“We tried asking for assistance from the new DA councillor and he said he could only assist after six months. We have received assistance from EMS and disaster management with blankets, food and other things we need to rebuild,” said Mr Manyoni.

Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson, Ms Nana Radebe said the cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

“We received the call at around 2:20am and finished around 4am. Two fire engines, from Malvern and Berea, responded to the fire. The cause of the fire is still undetermined at this stage,” she said.

Meanwhile Cleveland SAPS spokesperson, Constable Mpho Mashakane said no case has been opened. “No case has been reported so far but Cleveland SAPS is aware of the incident. No one was injured,” she said.

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